Common Gundi

Activity patterns. All gundi species are active more or less during daylight. The Common Gundi spends 50 - 70 % of its time outside ofits shelter (less during the hot season). When out ofits shelter, it rests one-half of the time, usually in the sun. The Common Gundi sunbathes throughout the year, but it will sit or lie in shade or inside its shelter when temperatures increase. In this way, the Common Gundi maintainsit body temperature behaviorally. Sunbathing is the first thing it does in the morning to keep its body warm. Then, it searches for food, which it does not store. After eating, it rests among warm rocks to enhance digestion. When the temperature reaches 32 ° C, Common Gundis go inside their shelters until dusk when temperatures drop. During the hot season, Common Gundis only forage at dawn and dusk when temperatures are cooler. Common Gundis are rarely active when temperatures are above 35 ° C or below 10 ° C. Common Gundis groom (dust-bathing and scratching) at least once a day. They dust-bathe near their main shelter and use their toe combs on their hindfeet to scratch but can use forefeet and mouths to groom vibrissae and genitals, respectively.