Translation. Region: Russian Federal
Source: Novosibirsk State University – Novosibirsk State University –
Researchers at the Institute of Cytology and Genetics of the Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences invite students to take part in studying the cognitive abilities and behavioral characteristics of foxes Faculty of Natural Sciences, Novosibirsk State University. By participating in the research, young people will be able to join the experiment on domestication of silver-black foxes, started in 1959 by the Soviet geneticist, academician Dmitry Belyaev. As a result, over decades of careful selection, scientists of the ICG SB RAS bred a population of foxes genetically adapted to humans. These animals are trusting and friendly to humans, and in adulthood they retain “childish” behavioral and external features. It is important that such friendly behavior is formed on a genetic basis and is stably maintained throughout the life of each individual and its descendants. Selection was carried out only on the basis of behavioral traits, but despite this, from generation to generation, external changes were observed in the “tame” foxes – like many domestic animals, they partially lost melanin and white spots began to appear in their color. In addition, it was found that these foxes had significantly reduced levels of cortisol (the main stress hormone) compared to their relatives from the control population, which were not subjected to behavioral selection.
— Our experimental farm contains foxes of three populations — aggressive, wild and “friendly”. We need these groups for our research. Aggressive foxes, like “kind” ones, were selected based on behavioral characteristics, but this selection began 10 years later. “Evil” foxes perceive humans with hostility: they try to drive them away, are ready to fight back against a “stranger” or run away, and do not make contact. Representatives of the second group — “wild” ones — do not show aggression towards humans, but they are not friendly either. They are not disposed towards people, but they show interest in them. But domesticated foxes are completely tame. They strive to communicate with humans, are devoid of aggression and fear towards them. The selection of fox cubs based on “malice” or “kindness” begins at the age of one and a half months. Subsequently, they are kept in the same conditions, while the contact with people for representatives of both groups is minimal. Students who undergo practical training with us work mainly with domesticated (“kind”) foxes, said Irina Mukhamedshina, PhD in Biology and Senior Researcher at the Laboratory of Evolutionary Genetics at the Scientific Research Center of Cytology and Genetics of the Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences.
Currently, students of Perm State University Ksenia Besogonova and Ekaterina Morsakova are undergoing practical training at the experimental fur farm of the ICG SB RAS. The girls are studying at the Department of Vertebrate Zoology and Ecology of the Biological Faculty. Ksenia Besogonova is a first-year master’s student, and Ekaterina Morsakova is a third-year bachelor’s student. The research data they are working on during their summer practical training will form the basis of Ksenia’s master’s dissertation and Ekaterina’s diploma work. The young researchers will spend two months at the experimental fur farm of the ICG SB RAS. They are involved in experiments with domesticated and “wild” foxes and work together with experienced scientists who have been studying the behavioral characteristics of both groups of animals for many years.
— Using special methods, we compare the behavior of tame foxes with the behavior of “wild” foxes that have not been subjected to selective breeding. We are currently at the stage of selecting individuals for the study. We have already selected 10 “wild” and 20 domesticated puppies aged 2 months. During the observations, we will observe in the enclosure how puppies of both populations and different ages interact with the environment, and then we will conduct an extrapolation test. We will record the entire research process on video. I began studying fox behavior back at Perm State University, where I am studying. Last year I worked here for the first time, and now I have come back again to continue my work, — said Ksenia Besogonova.
— Domesticated foxes are very different from their “wild” relatives. It is very interesting to work with them. These unique animals are drawn to humans, they gladly allow themselves to be stroked, exposing their bellies. When they see people, they wag their tails like dogs. For our research, we select those in whom these qualities are most pronounced. From the “wild” ones, we choose those that are not afraid of us, show interest in us and do not try to bite. For us, as future scientists, such practice is very useful. I am sure that based on the materials of our research, we will prepare several articles for scientific collections and presentations for participation in various conferences, — Ekaterina Morsakova shared her impressions.
The girls learned about the large-scale experiment of academician Dmitry Belyaev and his famous domesticated foxes from publications in the media and from their scientific supervisors. And the girls wanted to join this research and work with unique animals themselves.
“It is very interesting to observe what parameters influence the behavior of foxes – both “wild” and “tame”, to compare them and establish similarities and differences,” said Ksenia Besogonova.
— In our work, it is important not to be afraid of animals, because we interact with “tame” foxes without gloves. We also check the reaction of “wild” foxes with unprotected hands. Both can accidentally scratch or lightly bite. But it does not lead to serious wounds, because this is not a manifestation of aggression or hostility. It is just that the fox cubs study us this way, — explained Ekaterina Morsakova.
Irina Mukhamedshina says that students are welcome here: practical training at the experimental fur farm of the ICG SB RAS can be an excellent basis for a diploma thesis or master’s dissertation, and help in conducting experiments and observations will be very important for the scientists themselves. However, she warns that this is not an easy job, requiring energy and physical effort, but it is very interesting and exciting, although perseverance, concentration and a lot of patience are important here.
— We mainly observe animals, so we have to constantly move foxes from cages to enclosures and back. We conduct many different tests and experiments, and we have to prepare for each of them, install equipment and inventory. But still, the most important thing in our work is to love animals. And also hard work, — said Irina Mukhamedshina.
Irina Mukhamedshina has been studying the behavior of foxes since 2010, when she began writing her diploma thesis, which was followed by a PhD dissertation, which she successfully defended three years ago.
— I have been observing animal behavior since childhood, although at that time the object of my interest was dogs, and I became interested in foxes already in my student years. Now I am studying cognitive abilities, decision-making processes, age-related changes in the behavior of these animals. Also, our department regularly resumes studies of changes in hormonal systems during domestication. And in these works, NSU students can prove themselves as novice researchers, — explained Irina Mukhamedshina.
More photos from the fur farm can be seenin the album by the link
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