Mulgara - Social Behaviour
Mulgara seem to be very social with one another,
maintaining a permanent and stable communal home area rather than
leading a nomadic life as do other animals inhabiting the same areas. In
fact they are the only animal of their group living in social and
communal groups.
Whilst
both diurnal and nocturnal, the main activity, particularly foraging,
occurs at night. Although mainly terrestrial by nature they are capable
of climbing when necessary.
During the day they avoid over exposure to heat and
sun by staying within their burrows during the hottest parts of the day.
They have been observed having a sunbake though, a typical Australian
activity, with their body flattened out and tail twitching, perhaps in
blissful pleasure.
Adult Mulgaras seem quite tolerant of each other,
captive pairs having been observed to be quite peaceful with no fighting
evident.
Young Mulgaras on the other hand, whilst also
tolerant, use social play as a form of learning, mostly through
interactive games such as stalking, chasing, wrestling and general
play-fights. This helps with both social skills and the
predatory skills necessary for survival and starts very early
in life with exploration of the nest almost as soon as the eyes open.
Whilst little is known of actual methods of
communication, Mulgaras apparently use a variety of senses in
communication, including sight, sound, smell and tactile experience.
Body language such as posturing and chemical marking may also be used.
