Main research fields: zoology and reproductive physiology specialization fields: Animal reproduction, Behavioural ecology, Behavioural physiology, sociobiology. My research interests focus mainly on the sociobiology of African rodent moles (Bathyergidae) and in particular the extrinsic and intrinsic factors that have led to the evolution of sociality in this remarkable endemic African family. My research group is fundamentally interested in elucidating the modes and mechanisms that are responsible for reproductive suppression in the non-reproductive females of the various species. Research is currently being directed at the neuroendocrine and molecular levels to elucidate the extent, nature and location of GnRH suppression. We are also interested in the photic and thermic input in the control of reproduction in seasonally reproducing mole-rats and the potential lack of a role in aseasonally breeding bathyergids. Long term population studies on social mole-rats from mesic and xeric environments are underway. These studies are providing empirical data on the spatial distribution of colonies, longevities, factors restricting and promoting dispersal, vagility, foraging methods and lifetime reproductive success. We are interested in the genetic relatedness of colonies and also the type of paternal skew operational in the social genera. This work is being carried out in collaboration with Dr Chris Faulkes at Queen Mary and Westfield College, London.

1. Ms. Kemba Butler
   Neuroendocrinology of induced ovulation in the highveld mole-rat (Cryptomys hottentotus pretoriae)
2. Mr. Ruan de Bruin
   Investigating the pattern of ovulation in females and the influence of food restriction on male gonadal development in the spiny mouse Acomys spinosissimus from South Africa.
3. Mr. Gerhard Göldner
   Oxytocin and vasopressin binding sites relative to social and solitary behaviour
4. Mr. Andre Prins
   What makes a good helper? A behavioural study of cooperation in Damaraland mole-rats (Fukomys damarensis).
5. Mr. Josh Sarli
   Seasonal Reproductive Cycle and Parasite Burden of Two Small Mammals from Saudi Arabia.
6. Mr. Juan Scheun
   As Time Goes By: gonadal and adrenocortical endocrine function in the lesser bushbaby (Galago moholi)

1. Mrs. Dina M. Fagir
   The role of parasites in the population ecology of Southern African small mammals
2. Ms. Carol Hoole
   The activity patterns, energetics and reproductive biology of the Least Dwarf shrew (Suncus infinitesimus) from southern Africa.
3. Ms. Sonja Streicher
   To be added
4. Ms. Ingrid van der Merwe
   Investigating retinal structure and circadian responses to different intensities and wavelengths of light in a nocturnal and a diurnal South African rodent

1. Dr. Alan Harrison
   Novel vector-host relationships of vector-borne zoonotic diseases and ecology, behaviour and systematics of Ixodid ticks
2. Dr. Sarita Maree
   1. The conservation of golden moles (Afrosoricida; Chrysochloridae) in South Africa
3. Dr. Katarina Medger
   The reproductive biology of two small southern African mammals, the spiny mouse, Acomys spinosissimus (Rodentia: Muridae) and the Eastern rock elephant-shrew, Elephantulus myurus (Macroscelidea: Macroscelididae)
4. Dr. M Oosthuizen
   Factors influencing neurogenesis and memory in three mole-rat species exhibiting a wide spectrum of social organisation.
5. Dr. Gillian Robb
   Foraging ecology of subterranean African mammals
6. Dr. Christina Schmidt
   Oxidative stress and reproduction
7. Dr. Cornelia Voigt
   Neural and hormonal correlates of dominance rank in Damaraland mole rats

1. Lanha Burger

1. Ms. Liz Archer
   The effects of the environment and sociality on parasite transmission and MHC selection in common mole-rats (Cryptomys hottentotus hottentotus)
2. Ms. Sasha Hoffmann
   Personality, space-use and parasite load in the eastern rock elephant shrew
3. Mrs. Ingrid Minnaar
   The effect of seasonal conditions on the thermoregulatory and water balance capabilities of Wahlberg’s epauletted fruit bat, Epomophorus wahlbergi
4. Mr. Josh Sarli
   Seasonal Reproductive Cycle and Parasite Burden of Two Small Mammals from Saudi Arabia.

1. Mr. Low de Vries
   Ecology of the aardwolf, Proteles cristatus with special reference to diet, home range and prey abundance
2. Mrs. Jestina Katandukila
   A multidisplinary analysis on the status of the north-east African mole-rat, Tachyoryctes splendens (Rodentia: Spalacidae) from Tanzania: systematics, ecology, physiology and epidemiology
3. Ms. Amanda Maswanganye
   Speciation and landscape genetics of three rock dwelling small mammals (Micaelamys namaquensis, Procavia capensis and Heterohyrax brucei) with emphasis on the grassland biome of southern Africa.
4. Mr. James van Sandwyk
   Molecular epidemiology and evolution of Cardioviruses (Picornaviridae) in endemic South African murid rodents

1. Schmidt, C.M., Jarvis, J.U.M., Bennett, N.C. (2013) The long-lived queen: reproduction and longevity in the eusocial Damaraland mole-rat. African Zoology. in press:1-4
2. Santema, P., Zachary, T., Manser, M., Bennett, N.C., Clutton-Brock, T.H. (2013) Effects of cortisol administration on cooperative behaviour in meerkats. Behavioural Ecology. in press:01-06
3. Lutermann, H., Young, A.J., Bennett, N.C. (2013) Reproductive status and testosterone among females in cooperative mole-rat societies. General and Comparative Endocrinology. 187:60-65
4. van der Westhuizen, L.A., Jarvis, J.U.M., Bennett, N.C. (2013) A case of natural queen succession in a captive colony of naked mole-rats, Heterocephalus glaber. African Zoology. in press:1-8
5. Lutermann, H., Bennett, N.C., Speakman, J.R., Scantlebury, M. (2013) Energetic benefits of sociality offset the costs of parasitism in a cooperative mammal. PLoS One. 8:57969-57969
6. Hautier, L., Bennett, N.C., Viljoen, H., Howard, L., Ilinkovitch, M.C., Tzika, A.C., Goswami, A., Asher, R.J. (2013) Patterns of ossification in southern versus northern placental mammals. Evolution. in press:1-16
7. Calvey, T., Patzke, N., Kaswera, C., Gilissen, E., Bennett, N.C., Manger, P.R. (2013) Nuclear organisation of cholinergic, putative catecholaminergic, serotonergic and orexinergic systems in three Afrotherian species –Potomogale velox, Amblysomus hottentotus and Petrodromus tetradactylus. Journal of Chemical Neuroanatomy. 50:48-65
8. Faulkes, C.G., Bennett, N.C. (2013) Plasticity and constraints on social evolution in African mole-rats:ultimate and proximate factors. Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society of London B. 1 in press:001-005
9. Retief, T.A., Bennett, N.C., Kinahan, A.A., Bateman, P.W. (2013) Sexual selection and genital allometry in the Hottentot golden mole,Amblysomus hottentotus. Mammalian Biology. in press:1-4
10. Boonzaier, J., van der Merwe, E.L., Bennett, N.C., Kotze, S.H. (2013) Mucin distributions in the gastrointestinal tracts of three insectivores. Acta Histochemica. in press:001-007
11. Boonzaier, J., van der Merwe, E.L., Bennett, N.C., Kotze, S.H. (2013) Comparative gastrointestinal morphology of three mammalian insectivores: Acomys spinosissimus (Rodentia), Crocidura cyanea (Eulipotyphla) and Amblysomus hottentotus (Afrosoricida). Journal of Morphology. 274:615-626
12. Alagaili, A.N., Mohammed, O.B., Bennett, N.C., Oosthuizen, M.K. (2013) A tale of two jirds: locomotor activity patterns of the King jird (Meriones rex) and the Libyan jird (Meriones libycus) from the Arabian Peninsula. Journal of Arid Environments. 88:102-112
13. van Sandwyk, J., Bennett, N.C., Swanepoel, R., Bastos, A.D.S. (2013) Retrospective genetic characterisation of encephalomyocarditis viruses from African elephant and swine recovers two distinct lineages in South Africa. Veterinary Microbiology. 162(1):23-31
14. Hagenah, N., Bennett, N.C. (2013) Mole-rats act as ecosystem engineers within a biodiversity hotspot, the Cape fynbos. Journal of Zoology. 289:19-26

1. Lutermann, H., Bodenstein, C., Bennett, N.C. (2012) Natural parasite infection affects the tolerance but not the response to a simulated secondary parasite infection. PLoS One. 7:52077-52077
2. Thomas, H.G., Bateman, P.W., Scantlebury, M., Bennett, N.C. (2012) Burrow architecture and seasonal digging activity in the Cape dune mole-rat, Bathyergus suillus (Rodentia: Bathyergidae). African Zoology. 88(2):1-5
3. Robb, G.N., Woodborne, S., Bennett, N.C. (2012) Subterranean sympatry: an investigation using stable isotope analysis. PLoS One. 7(11e48572):1-10
4. Kotze, R., Bennett, N., Cameron, E.Z., de Vries, J.L., Marneweck, D.G., Pirk, C.W.W., Dalerum, F. (2012) Temporal patterns of den use suggest polygamous mating patterns in an obligate monogamous mammal. Animal Behaviour. 84:1573-1578
5. Medger, K., Chimimba, C.T., Bennett, N.C. (2012) Seasonal reproduction in the eastern rock elephant-shrew: Influenced by rainfall and ambient temperature? Journal of Zoology. 288:283-293
6. Alagaili, A.N., Mohammed, O.B., Bennett, N.C., Oosthuizen, M.K. (2012) Lights out let's move about: locomotor activity patterns of Wagner's gerbil (Gerbillus dasyurus) from the desert of Saudi Arabia. African Zoology. 59:001-011
7. Phillips, M.A., Waterman, J.M., Du Plessis, P., Smit, M., Bennett, N.C. (2012) No evidence for proteolytic venom resistance in southern African ground squirrels. Toxicon. 60:760-763
8. Bray, T.C., Bloomer, P., O'Riain, M.J., Bennett, N.C. (2012) How attractive is the girl next door? An assessment of spatial mate acquisition and paternity in the solitary Cape dune mole-rat, Bathyergus suillus. PLoS One. 7(6 e39866):1-8
9. Thomas, H.G., Bateman, P.W., Scantlebury, M., Bennett, N.C. (2012) Season but not sex influences burrow length and complexity in the non-sexually dimorphic solitary Cape mole-rat (Rodentia: Bathyergidae. Journal of Zoology. 288:214-221
10. Harrison, T.A., Bennett, N.C. (2012) The importance of the aggregation of ticks on hosts for the establishment and persistence of tick-borne pathogens: an investigation using the R0 model. Parasitology. 139(12):1605-1613
11. Bennett, N.C., Lutermann, H. (2012) Possible modulatory effects of male cues and social system on luteinising hormone and pituitary sensitivity in two African mole-rats. African Zoology. 47:80-84
12. Harrison, T.A., Robb, G.N., Bennett, N.C., Horak, I.G. (2012) Differential feeding success of two paralysis inducing ticks, Rhipicephalus warburtoni and Ixodes rubicandus on sympatric small mammal species Elephantulus myurus and Micaelomys namaquensis. Veterinary Parasitology. 188:346-354
13. Scantlebury, M., Danek-Gontard, M.C., Bateman, P.W., Bennett, N.C., Manjerovic, M.B., Joubert, K.E., Waterman, J.M. (2012) Seasonal patterns of body temperature daily rhythms in group-living Cape ground squirrels. PLoS One. 7(4 e36053):1-11
14. Hoole, C., Oosthuizen, M.K., Chimimba, C.T.., Bennett, N.C. (2012) Locomotory activity rhythm in the spiny mouse, Acomys spinosissimus from southern Africa: light entrainment and endogenous circadian rhythms. Journal of Zoology. 288:93-102
15. Kruger, J.L., Patzke, N., Fuxe, K., Bennett, N.C., Manger, P.R. (2012) Nuclear organisation of cholinergic, putative catecholinergic, serotonergic and orexinergic systems in the brain of the African pygmy mouse (Mus minutoides); small brain size does not lead to a decrease in organisational complexity. Journal of Chemical Neuroanatomy. 44:45-56
16. Du Toit, L., Bennett, N.C., Nickless, A., Whiting, M.J. (2012) Influence of spatial environment on maze learning in an African mole-rat. Animal Cognition. 15:797-806
17. St John Smith, E., Burfurst, B., Grigoryan, T., Park, T.J., Bennett, N.C., Lewin, G.R. (2012) A specific paucity of unmyelinated C-fibres in cutaneous peripheral nerves of the naked mole-rat: a comparative analysis using six species of Bathyergidae. Journal of Comparative Neurology. 520:2785-2803
18. Ganswindt, A., Muilwijk, C., Engelkes, M., Muenscher, S., Bertschinger, H., Paris, M., Palme, R., Cameron, E., Bennett, N., Dalerum, F. (2012) Validation of Noninvasive Monitoring of Adrenocortical Endocrine Activity in Ground-Feeding Aardwolves (Proteles cristata): Exemplifying the Influence of Consumption of Inorganic Material for Fecal Steroid Analysis. Physiological and Biochemical Zoology. 85(2):194-199
19. Lutermann, H., Bennett, N.C. (2012) Determinants of Helminth Infection in a Subterranean Rodent, the Cape Dune Mole-Rat (Bathyergus suillus). Journal of Parasitology. 98:686-689
20. Brettschneider, H., Bennett, N.C., Chimimba, C.T., Bastos, A.D.S. (2012) Bartonellae of the Namaqua rock mouse, Micaelamys namaquensis (Rodentia: Muridae), from South Africa. Veterinary Microbiology. 157:132-136
21. Medger, K., Chimimba, C.T., Bennett, N.C. (2012) Seasonal changes in reproductive development in male spiny mice (Acomys spinosissimus) from South Africa. Mammalian Biology. 77:153-159
22. van der Merwe, I., Oosthuizen, M.K., Bennett, N.C., Chimimba, C.T. (2012) The daily cycles of locomotor activity of the eastern rock elephant shrew (Elephantulus myurus) from South Africa. Journal of Zoology. 286:250-257
23. Medger, K., Chimimba, C.T., Bennett, N.C. (2012) Reproductive photoresponsiveness in male spiny mice from South Africa. Journal of Zoology. 286:243-249
24. Boyles, J.G., Verburgt, L., McKechnie, A.E., Bennett, N.C. (2012) Heterothermy in two mole-rat species subjected to interacting thermoregulatory challenges. Journal of Experimental Zoology Part A. 317:73-82
25. de Bruin, P.R., Viljoen, H., Sichilima, A.M., Bennett, N.C. (2012) Socially-induced infertility in Ansell's mole-rat: are there depressed hormone levels in non-reproductive males and females. Journal of Zoology. in 286:15-21

1. Faulkes, C.G., Bennett, N.C., Cotterill, F.P.D., Stanley, W., Verheyen, E. (2011) Phylogeography and cryptic diversity of the solitary dwelling silvery mole-rat, genus Heliophobius (Family: Bathyergidae). Journal of Zoology. 285:324-338
2. Sichilima, A.M., Bennett, N.C., Faulkes, C.G. (2011) Field evidence for colony size and aseasonality of breeding in Ansell's mole-rat, Fukomys anselli (Rodentia Bathyergidae). African Zoology. 48(2):334-339
3. Bhagwandin, A., Gravett, N., Oosthuizen, M.K., Bennett, N.C., Siegel, J.M., Manger, P.R. (2011) Orexinergic neuron numbers in three species of African mole-rats with rhythmic and arrhythmic chronotypes. Neuroscience. 199:153-165
4. Streicher, S., Boyles, J.G., Oosthuizen, M.K., Bennett, N.C. (2011) Body temperature patterns in free-ranging subterranean Damaraland mole-rats, Fukomys damarensis. PLoS One. DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0026346
5. Viljoen, H., Bennett, N.C., Ueckermann, E.A., Lutermann, H. (2011) The role of host traits, season and group size on parasite burdens in a cooperative mammal. PLoS One. DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0027003
6. Viljoen, H., Bennett, N.C., Lutermann, H. (2011) Life-history traits, but not season, affect the febrile response to a lipopolysaccharide challenge in highveld mole-rats. Journal of Zoology. 285:222-229
7. Bhagwandin, A., Gravett, N., Lyamin, O.I., Oosthuizen, M.K., Bennett, N.C., Siegel, J.M., Manger, P.R. (2011) Sleep and wake in rhythmic vs arrythmic chronotypes of a microphthalmic species of African mole-rat (Fukomys mechowii). Brain Behavior and Evolution. 78:162-183
8. Joubert, K.E., Serfontein, T., Scantlebury, M., Manjerovic, M.B., Bateman, P.W., Bennett, N.C., Waterman, J.M. (2011) Determination of an optimal dose of medetomidine-ketamine-buprenorphine for anaesthesia in the Cape ground squirrel (Xerus inauris). Journal of the South African Veterinary Association. 82(2):94-96
9. Taylor, P.J., Lavrenchenko, L.A., Carleton, M.D., Verheyen, E., Bennett, N.C., Oosthuizen, C., Maree, S. (2011) Specific limits and emerging diversity patterns in East African populations of laminate-toothed rats. genus Otomys (Muridae: Murinae: Otomyini): revision of the Otomys typus complex. Zootaxa. 3024:1-66
10. Bennett, N.C. (2011) Teasing apart socially-induced infertility in non-reproductive female Damaraland mole-rats, Fukomys damarensis. Integrative Zoology. 6(4):311-320
11. van der Merwe, I., Oosthuizen, M.K., Chimimba, C.T., Bennett, N.C. (2011) Circadian rhythms of locomotor activity in the reddish grey musk shrew (Eulipotyphla: Soricidae) from South Africa. Journal of Zoology. 284:124-132
12. Bhagwandin, A., Fuxe, K., Bennett, N.C., Manger, P.R. (2011) Distribution of orexinergic neurons and their terminal networks in the brains of two species of African mole-rats. Journal of Chemical Neuroanatomy. 4:32-42
13. Bray, T.C., Bloomer, P., Bennett, N.C. (2011) Low levels of polymorphism at novel microsatellite loci developed for bathyergid mole-rats from South Africa. Conservation Genetics Resources. 3(2):221-224

1. Faulkes, C.G., Sichilima, A.M., van Sandwyk, J., Lutermann, H., Bennett, N.C. (2010) Control of ovulation in female giant mole-rats Fukomys mechowii (Rodentia: Bathyergidae), and phylogenetic trends within the family. Journal of Zoology. 282:64-74
2. Chimimba, C.T., Sichilima, A.M., Faulkes, C.G., Bennett, N.C. (2010) Ontogenetic variation and craniometric sexual dimorphism in the social giant mole-rat, Fukomys mechowii (Rodentia: Bathyergidae) from Zambia. African Zoology. 45(2):160-176
3. Oosthuizen, M.K., Bennett, N.C., Cooper, H.M. (2010) Photic induction of Fos in the SCN of African mole-rats: response to increasing irradiance. Chronobiology International. 27(8):1532-1545
4. Young, A.J., Bennett, N.C. (2010) Morphological divergence of breeders and helpers in wild Damaraland mole-rat societies. Evolution. 64(11):3190-3197
5. Nice, P.A., Fleming, P.A., Bennett, N.C., Bateman, P.W., Miller, D.W. (2010) Exposure to non-kin females rapidly affects testicualr morphology in non-reproductive male Damaraland mole-rats. Journal of Zoology. 282:84-90
6. Scantlebury, M., Krackow, S., Pillay, N., Bennett, N.C., Shradin, C. (2010) Basking is affected by season and influences oxygen consumption in desert living striped mice. Journal of Zoology. 281:132-139
7. Medger, K., Chimimba, C.T., Bennett, N.C. (2010) Seasonal reproduction in female spiny mice from South Africa. Journal of Zoology. 282:163-170
8. Bennett, N.C. (2010) Introducing the Thomas Henry Huxley Review 2010. Journal of Zoology. 281:77-77
9. Faulkes, C.G., Mgode, G.F., Le Comber, S.L., Bennett, N.C. (2010) Cladogenesis and endemism in Tanzanian mole-rats, genus Fukomys: (Rodentia: Bathyergidae): a role for tectonics? Biological Journal of the Linnean Society. 100:337-352
10. Oosthuizen, M.K., Viljoen, H., Bennett, N.C. (2010) Effects of season and social status on gonadal function in social Natal mole-rats. Journal of Mammalogy. 91(2):1-8
11. Asher, R.J., Maree, S., Bronner, G.N., Bennett, N.C., Bloomer, P., Czechowski, P., Meyer, M., Hofreiter, M. (2010) A phylogenetic estimate for golden moles (Mammalia, Afrotheria, Chrysochloridae. BMC Evolutionary Biology. 10:1-13
12. Kalamatianos, T., Oosthuizen, M.K., Faulkes, C.G., Poorun, R., Bennett, N.C., Coen, C.W. (2010) Telencephalic binding sites for oxytocin and social organisation: a comparative study of eusocial naked mole-rats and solitary Cape mole-rats. Journal of Comparative Neurology. 518:1792-1813
13. Bennett, N.C., van Sandwyk, J., Lutermann, H. (2010) The pattern of ovulation in Ansell’s mole-rat, Fukomys anselli: phylogenetic or ecological constraints? Journal of Zoology. 281:66-73
14. Young, A.J., Oosthuizen, M.K., Lutermann, H., Bennett, N.C. (2010) Physiological suppression eases in Damaraland mole-rat societies when ecological constraints on dispersal are relaxed. Hormones and Behavior. 57:177-183
15. Kotze, S.H., van der Merwe, E.L., Bennett, N.C., O'Riain, M.J. (2010) The comparative anatomy of the abdominal gastrointestinal tract of six species of African mole-rat (Bathyergidae). Journal of Morphology. 271:50-60

1. Lutermann, H., Bennett, N.C. (2009) Parasites - a cost of sociality? Journal of the South African Veterinary Association. 80:131-131
2. Faulkes, C.G., Bennett, N.C. (2009) Reproducitve skew in African mole-rats: behavioral and physiological mechanisms to maintain high skew. Reproducitve skew in Vertebrates: Proximate and ultimate causes.ed Reinmar Hager and Clara B. Jones, Cambridge University Press, Cambridge U.K. Chapter 13:369-396
3. Bennett, N.C. (2009) African mole-rats (family Bathyergidae): models for studies in animal physioloy. African Zoology. 44(2):263-270
4. Thomas, H.G., Bateman, P.W., Le Comber, S.L., Bennett, N.C., Elwood, R.W., Scantlebury, M. (2009) Burrow architecture and digging activity in the Cape dune mole-rat. Journal of Zoology. 279:277-284
5. Jones, C.J.P., Carter, A.M., Bennett, N.C., Blankenship, T.N., Endlers, A.C. (2009) Placentation in the Hottentot golden mole, Amblysomus hottentotus (Chrysochloridae). Placenta. 30:571-578
6. Asher, R.J., Bennett, N.C., Lehmann, T. (2009) The new framework for understanding placental mammal evolution. Bioessays. 31:853-864
7. Jackson, C.R., Setsaas, T.H., Scantlebury, M., Robertson, M.P., Bennett, N.C. (2009) Body temperature and activity patterns in the endangered Juliana's golden mole, Neamblysomus julianae. Journal of Zoology. 278:299-307
8. Oosthuizen, M.K., Bennett, N.C. (2009) Seasonal variation in gonadal steroids of male and female Cape mole-rats (Georychus capensis): the potential for opportunistic breeding. African Zoology. 44:117-122
9. Kotze, S.H., van der Merwe, E.L., Ndou, R., O\'Riain, M.J., Bennett, N.C. (2009) The colonic groove or furrow: a comparative morphological study in six species of African mole-rats (Rodentia: Bathyergidae). Journal of Morphology. 270:966-975
10. Costanzo, M.S., Bennett, N.C., Lutermann, H. (2009) Spatial learning and memory in African mole-rats: the role of sociality and sex. Physiology and Behaviour. 96:128-134
11. Taylor, P.J., Maree, S., van Sandwyk, J., Kerbis Peterhans, J.C., Stanley, W.T., Verheyen, E., Kaliba, P., Verheyen, W., Kaleme, P., Bennett, N.C. (2009) Speciation mirrors geomorphology and palaecclimatic history in African laminate-toothed rats (Muridae; Otomyini) of the Otomys denti and O. lacustris species-complexes in the. Biological Journal of the Linnean Society. 96:913-941
12. Bennett, N.C., Faulkes, C.G., Hart, L., Jarvis, J.U.M. (2009) The Cape mole-rat, Bathyergus suillus. Mammalian Species. 828:1-7

1. Oosthuizen, M.K., Bennett, N.C., Coen, C.W. (2008) An immunohistochemical study of the gonadotrophin-releasing hormone 1 system in solitary Cape mole-rats, Georychus capensis, and social Natal mole-rats, Cryptomys hottentotus natalensis. Neuroscience. 157:164-173
2. de Vries, L., Oosthuizen, M.K., Sichilima, A.M., Bennett, N.C. (2008) Circadian rhythms of locomotor activity in Ansell's mole-rat: are mole-rat's clocks ticking? Journal of Zoology. 276:343-349
3. Bhagwandin, A., Fuxe, K., Bennett, N.C., Manger, P.R. (2008) Nuclear organisation and morphology of cholinergic, putative catecholaminergic and serotonergic neurons in the brains of two species of African mole-rat. Journal of Chemical Neuroanatomy. 35:371-387
4. Deuve, J.L., Bennett, N.C., Britton-Davidian, J., Robinson, T.J. (2008) Chromosomal Phylogeny and evolution of the African mole-rats (Bathyergidae). Chromosome Research. 16:57-74
5. Hart, L., Bennett, N.C., Kalamantianos, T., O'Riain, M.J., Jarvis, J.U.M., Coen, C.W. (2008) Neuroanatomical investigation of the gonadotrophin-releasing hormone 1 system in the seasonally breeding Cape dune mole-rat, Bathyergus suillus. Brain Research Bulletin. 77:185-188
6. Kotze, J., Bennett, N.C., Scantlebury, M. (2008) The energetics of huddling in two species of mole-rat (Rodentia: Bathyergidae). Physiology and Behaviour. 93:215-221
7. Deuve, J.L., Bennett, N.C., Ruiz-Herrera, A., Waters, P.D., Britton-Davidian, J., Robinson, T.J. (2008) Dissection of a Y-autosome translocation in an African mole-rat, Cryptomys hottentotus (Rodentia: Bathyergidae) and implications for the evolution of a meiotic sex chromosome chain. Chromosoma. 117:211-217
8. Bennett, N.C. (2008) The Mammal Research Institute 1966-2006. Transactions of the Royal Society of South Africa . 63(1):53-60
9. Sichilima, A.M., Faulkes, C.G., Bennett, N.C. (2008) Field evidence for aseasonality reproduction and colony size in the Afrotropical giant mole-rat, Fukomys mechowii (Rodentia: Bathyergidae). African Zoology. 43(2):144-149
10. Jackson, C.R., Setsaas, T.H., Robertson, M.P., Bennett, N.C. (2008) Ecological variables governing habitat quality and the distribution of the endangered Juliana’s Golden Mole. African Zoology. 43:245-255
11. Manjerovic, M.B., Kinahan, A.A., Waterman, J.M., Bennett, N.C., Bateman, P.W. (2008) Structure and allometry of genitalia in males and females of a social African ground squirrel with high polygynandry. Journal of Zoology. 275:375-380
12. Oosthuizen, M.K., Bennett, N.C., Lutermann, H., Coen, C.W. (2008) Reproductive suppression and the seasonality of reproduction in the social Natal mole-rat (Cryptomys hottentotus natalensis). General and Comparative Endocrinology. 159:236-240
13. Sichilima, A.M., Bennett, N.C., Faulkes, C.G., Le Comber, S.C. (2008) Evolution of African mole-rats sociality: burrow architecture, rainfall and foraging in colonies of the cooperatively breeding Fukomys mechowii. Journal of Zoology. 275:276-282
14. Scantlebury, M., Waterman, J.M., Bennett, N. (2008) Alternative reproductive tactics in male Cape ground squirrels Xerus inauris. Physiology and Behaviour. 94:359-367
15. Scantlebury, M., Lovegrove, B.G., Jackson, C.R., Bennett, N.C., Lutermann, H. (2008) Hibernation and non-shivering thermogenesis in the Hottentot golden mole (Amblysomus hottentottus. J Comp Physiol B. 178:887-897
16. Kinahan, A.A., Bennett, N.C., Belton, L.E., Bateman, P.W. (2008) Do reproductive strategies determine genital allometry in African mole rats (Bathyergidae)? Journal of Zoology. 274(4):312-317
17. Nemec, P., Cvekova, P., Benada, O., Wielkopolska, E., Olkowicz, S., Turlejski, K., BurdaH, H., Bennett, N. .C., Peichl, L. (2008) The visual system in subterranean African mole-rats (Rodentia, Bathyergidae); Retina, subcortical visual nuclei and primary visual cortex. Brain Research Bulletin. 75:356-364
18. Jackson, C.R., Lubbe, N.R., Robertson, M.P., Setsaas, T.H., Bennett, N.C., van der Waals, J.H. (2008) Soil properties limiting the distribution of the critically endangered Juliana’s Golden Mole (Neamblysomus julianae). Journal of Zoology. 274:13-17
19. Cameron, E.Z., Lemons, P.R., Bateman, P.W., Bennett, N.C. (2008) Experimental alteration of litter sex ratios in a mammal. Proceedings of the Royal Society London, B. 275:323-327
20. Lutermann, H., Bennett, N.C. (2008) Strong immune function: a benefit promoting the evolution of sociality?. Journal of Zoology. 275(1):26-32

1. Jackson, T.P., Waterman, J.M., Bennett, N.C. (2007) LH responses to single doses of exogenous GnRH in female social ground squirrels exhibiting low reproductive skew. Journal of Zoology. 273:8-13
2. Malherbe, G.P., Bennett, N.C. (2007) An assessment of behavioural dominance in a social subterranean rodent mole Cryptomys hottentotus pretoriae using the cardinal dominance index method. African Zoology. 42(2):187-198
3. Oosthuizen, M.K.., Bennett, N.C. (2007) LH responses to single doses of exogenous GnRH in the Cape mole-rat, Georychus capensis: the pituitary potential for opportunistic breeding. Journal of Zoology. 271:196-202
4. Scantlebury, M., Waterman, J.M., Hillegass, M., Speakman, J.R., Bennett, N. (2007) Energetic costs of parasitism in the Cape ground squirrel Xerus inauris. Proceedings of the Royal Society - B. 274:2169-2177
5. Bateman, P.W., Bennett, N.C. (2007) Die biologie van menslike seksualiteit: evolusie, ekologie en fisiologie. In: Liefde is die Grootste - Oor Erotiek en Seksualiteit (Eds. C. Vos & D. Human). Protea Boekhuis, Pretoria. :396-417
6. Hart, L., Chimimba, C.T., Jarvis, J.U.M., O'Raian, J., Bennett, N.C. (2007) Craniometric sexual dimorphism and age variation in the solitary South African endemic Cape dune mole-rat, Bathyergus suillus (Rodentia: Muridae). Journal of Mammalogy. 88:657-666
7. Yeakel, J.D., Bennett, N.C., Koch, P.L., Dominy, N.J. (2007) The isotopic ecology of African mole-rats informs hypotheses on the evolution of human diet. Proceedings of the Royal Society, London. 274:1723-1730
8. Dalerum, F., Bennett, N.C., Clutton-Brock, T.H. (2007) Longitudinal differences in 15N between mothers and offspring during and after weaning in a small cooperative mammal, the meerkat (Suricata suricatta). Rapid Communications in Mass Spectrometry. 21:1889-1892
9. Scantlebury, M., Waterman, J.M., Hillegrass, M., Speakman, J.R., Bennett, N.C. (2007) Effects of age and parasite status on the foraging energetics of female Cape ground squirrels, Xerus inauris. Proceedings of the Royal Society - B. 274:2169-2177
10. Kinahan, A.A., Bennett, N.C., O'Riain, J., Hart, L., Bateman, P.W. (2007) Size matters: genital allometry in an African mole-rat (Bathyergidae) . Evolutionary Ecology. 21:201-213

1. Deuve, J.L., Bennett, N.C., O'Brien, P.C.M., Ferguson-Smith, M., Faulkes, C.G., Britton-Davidan, J., Robinson, T.J. (2006) Complex evolution of X and Y autosomal translocations in the Giant mole-rat, Cryptomys mechowi (Bathyergidae). Chromosome Research. 14:681-691
2. Schottner, K., Oosthuizen, M.K., Broekman, M., Bennett, N.C. (2006) The chronobiology of the Lesotho mole-rat, Cryptomys hottentotus sp. from Sani Pass, South Africa. Physiology and Behaviour. 89:205-212
3. Hart, L., O'Riain, M.J., Jarvis, J.U.M., Bennett, N.C. (2006) LH responses to single doses of exogenous GnRH by solitary seasonally breeding Cape dune mole-rats, Bathyergus suillus: the pituitary potential for opportunistic breeding. Physiology and Behaviour. 88:615-619
4. Broekman, M., Bennett, N.C., Jackson, C.R., Scantlebury, M. (2006) Mole-rats from higher altitudes have greater thermoregulatory capabilities. Physiology and Behaviour. 89:750-754
5. Schumann, D.M., Bennett, N.C., Hofmeyr, M.D., Cooper, H.M. (2006) Light induced Fos expression in the suprachiasmatic nucleus of the four striped field mouse, Rhabdomys pumilio, a southern African diurnal rodent. Brain Research Bulletin. 70:270-277
6. Hart, L., O'Riain, M.J., Jarvis, J.U.M., Bennett, N.C. (2006) Is the Cape dune mole-rat Bathyergus suillus a seasonal or aseasonal breeder? Journal of Mammalogy. 87:1078-1085
7. Whiting, M.J., Stuart Fox, D., O'Connor, D., Bennett, N.C. (2006) Bright colours and UV signals in natural lizard tournaments. Animal Behaviour. 72:353-363
8. Herbst, M., Bennett, N.C. (2006) The burrow architecture and burrowing dynamics of the endangered Namaqua dune mole-rat, Bathyergus janetta (Rodentia: Bathyergidae). Journal of Zoology. 270:420-428
9. Du Toit, L., Bennett, N.C., Gutjahr, G.H., Coen, C.W. (2006) Reproductive suppression in subordinate female highveld mole-rats, Cryptomys hottentotus pretoriae: No apparent role for endogenous opioid peptides. Physiology and Behaviour. 87:897-902
10. Snyman, P.C., Jackson, C.R., Bennett, N.C. (2006) Do dispersing female Damaraland mole-rats, Cryptomys damarensis (Rodentia: Bathyergidae) exhibit spontaneous ot induced ovulation? Physiology and Behaviour. 87:88-94
11. Scantlebury, M., Bennett, N.C., Speakman, J.R., Pillay, N., Schradin, C. (2006) The energetics of huddling in group living African four striped field mice Rhabdomys pumilio. Functional Ecology. 20:166-173
12. Broekman, M., Bennett, N.C., Jackson, C.R., Weber, R. (2006) Does altitude difference modulate the respiratory properties in subterranean rodent Cryptomys hottentotus mahali blood? Physiology and Behaviour. 88:77-81
13. Scantlebury, M., Speakman, J.R., Bennett, N.C. (2006) The energy costs of sexual dimorphism in mole-rats are morphological not behavioural. Proceedings of the Royal Society - B. 273:57-63
14. Bouche, L., Bennett, N.C., Jackson, T.P., Waterman, J.M. (2006) Is the Cape ground squirrel, Xerus inauris an induced or spontaneous ovulator? Journal of Mammalogy. 87:60-66
15. Bennett, N.C., Maree, S., Faulkes, C.G. (2006) The Cape blesmol, Georychus capensis. Mammalian Species. 799:1-4
16. Du Toit, L., Bennett, N.C., Kallo, I., Katz, A., Coen, C.W. (2006) A neuroanatomical and neuroendocrinological study into the relation between social status and the GnRH system in two cooperatively breeding species of African mole-rats Cryptomys h. hottentotus and C. h. pretoriae. Journal of Comparative Neurology. 494:303-313
17. Muteka, S.P., Chimimba, C.T., Bennett, N.C. (2006) Reproductive seasonality in the Tete veld rat, Aethomys ineptus (Rodentia: Muridae) from southern Africa. Journal of Zoology (London). 270:314-322
18. Muteka, S.P., Chimimba, C.T., Bennett, N.C. (2006) Reproductive seasonality in Aethomys namaquensis (Rodentia: Muridae) from southern Africa. Journal of Mammalogy. 87:67-74
19. Muteka, S.P., Chimimba, C.T., Bennett, N.C. (2006) Reproductive photoresponsiveness in Aethomys ineptus and A. namaquensis (Rodentia: Muridae) from southern Africa. Journal of Zoology (London). 268:225-231
20. Young, A.J., Monfort, S.L., Carlson, A.A., Russell, A.F., Bennett, N.C., Clutton-Brock, T.H. (2006) Stress and the suppression of subordinate reproduction in cooperatively breeding meerkats. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. 103:12005-12010
21. Clutton-Brock, T.H., Hodge, S.J., Spong, G., Russell, A.F., Jordan, N.R., Bennett, N.C., Sharp, L., Manser, M.B. (2006) Intrsexual competition and sexual selection in cooperative mammals. Nature. (444):1065-1068
22. Scantlebury, M., Speakman, J.R., Oosthuizen, M.K., Roper, T.J., Bennett, N.C. (2006) Energetics reveals physiologically distinct castes in a eusocial mammal. Nature. 440:795-797
23. Bateman, P.W., Bennett, N.C. (2006) The biology of human sexuality: evolution, ecology and physiology. Verbum et Ecclesia. 27:245-264
24. Parag, A., Bennett, N.C., Faulkes, C.G., Bateman, P.W. (2006) Penile morphology of African mole-rats (Bathyergidae): structural modification in relation to mode of ovulation and degree of sociality. Journal of Zoology. 270:323-329

1. Vasicek, C., Malpaux, B., Fleming, P.A., Bennett, N.C. (2005) Melatonin secretion in the Mashona mole-rat, Cryptomys darlingi -influence of light on rhythmicity. Physiology and Behaviour. 83:689-697
2. Vasicek, C.A., Oosthuizen, M.K., Cooper, H.M., Bennett, N.C. (2005) Endogenous circadian rhythms of locomotor activity in the subterranean Mashona, Cryptomys darlingi: the effects of light on entrainment. Physiology and Behaviour. 84:181-191
3. Scantlebury, M., Oosthuizen, M.K., Speakman, J.R., Bennett, N.C. (2005) Seasonal field energetics of the Hottentot golden mole at high altitude: an ancient African Afrotherian. Physiology and Behaviour. 84:739-745
4. Kalamantianos, T., Du Toit, L., Hrabovszky, E., Kallo, I., Marsh, P., Bennett, N.C., Coen, C.W. (2005) Characterisation of gonadotrophin releasing hormone precursor cDNA in the old-world mole-rat (Cryptomys hottentotus pretoriae) : high homology with the New World guinea pig sequence. Journal of Neuroendocrinology. 17:265-268
5. Oosthuizen, M.K., Bennett, N.C., Cooper, H.M. (2005) C-fos photic induction in two species of African mole-rat (Rodentia: Bathyergidae). Neuroscience. 133:555-560
6. van Sandwyk, J., Bennett, N.C. (2005) Do solitary, seismic signalling Cape mole-rats, Georychus capensis demonstrate spontaneous or induced ovulation? Journal of Zoology. 267:75-80
7. Maswanganye, K.A., Malherbe, G.P. ., Bennett, N.C. (2005) Ultrastructure of epididymal spermatozoa in three social African mole-rats of the genus Cryptomys. African Zoology. 40:293-300
8. Schumann, D.M., Cooper, H.M., Hofmeyr, M.D., Bennett, N.C. (2005) Circadian rhythms of locomotor activity in the four striped field mouse, Rhabdomys pumilio: a diurnal or crepuscular African rodent. Physiology and Behaviour. 85:231-239
9. Jackson, C.R., Bennett, N.C. (2005) Is the Natal mole-rat (Cryptomys hottentotus natalensis) a spontaneous or induced ovulator? Journal of Mammalogy. 86:1-6
10. Chimimba, C.T., Bennett, N.C. (2005) Order Rodentia. In: The Mammals of the Southern African Subregion (JD Skinner & CT Chimimba, Revisers). Cambridge University Press, Cambridge. :77-209

1. Gutjahr, G.H., Janse van Rensburg, L., Malpaux, B., Richter, T.A., Bennett, N.C. (2004) The pineal melatonin rhythm and its regulation by light in the seasonally reproducing subterranean common mole-rat (Cryptomys hottentotus hottentotus). Journal of Pineal Research. 37:185-192
2. Carlson, A.A., Young, A.J., Russell, A., Bennett, N.C., McNeilly, A.S., Clutton-Brock, T.H. (2004) Hormonal correlates of dominance in cooperatively breeding meerkats suricata suricatta. Hormones and Behavior. 46:141-150
3. Jackson, T.P., Bennett, N.C., Spinks, A.C. (2004) Physiological adaptation to aridity and limits to the distribution of the three arid-occurring otomyine rodents of southern Africa. Journal of Zoology. 264:1-10
4. Ganem, G.G., Bennett, N.C. (2004) Tolerance of unfamiliar conspecifics varies with life style in female African mole-rats. Physiology and Behaviour. 82:556-562
5. Herbst, M., Jarvis, J.U.M., Bennett, N.C. (2004) A field assessment of reproductive seasonality in the Red data listed wild Namaqua dune mole-rat, Bathyergus janetta. Journal of Zoology. 263:259-268
6. Burland, T.M., Bennett, N.C., Jarvis, J.U.M., Faulkes, C.G. (2004) Colony structure and parentage in wild colonies of cooperatively breeding Damaraland mole-rats suggest incest avoidance alone may not maintain reproductive skew. Molecular Ecology. 13:2371-2379
7. Bennett, N.C., Jarvis, J.U.M. (2004) The Damaraland mole-rat, Cryptomys damarensis. Mammalian Species. 756:1-5
8. Bishop, J.M., O'Ryan, C., Spinks, A.C., Bennett, N.C., Jarvis, J.U.M. (2004) Molecular insights into patterns of colony composition and paternity in the common mole-rat, Cryptomys hottentotus hottentotus: a subterranean social mammal. Molecular Ecology. 13:1217-1229
9. Faulkes, C.G., Verheyen, E., Verheyen, W., Jarvis, J.U.M., Bennett, N.C. (2004) Phylogeography and speciation in African mole-rats (Family Bathyergidae). Molecular Ecology. 13:613-629
10. Molteno, A.J., Kallo, I., Bennett, N.C., Coen, C.W. (2004) A neuroanatomical and neuroendocrinological study into the relation between social status and GnRH system in cooperatively breeding female Damaraland mole-rats, Cryptomys damarensis. Reproduction. 127:13-21
11. Hart, L., Bennett, N.C., Malpaux, B., Chimimba, C.T., Oosthuizen, M.K. (2004) The chronobiology of the Natal mole-rat, Cryptomys hottentotus natalensis. Physiology & Bahaviour. 82:563-569
12. Janse Van Rensburg, L., Chimimba, C.T., Van der Merwe, M., Schoeman, A.S., Bennett, N.C. (2004) Relative age and reproductive status in Cryptomys hottentotus pretoriae (Rodentia: Bathyergidae) from South Africa. Journal of Mammalogy. 85(6):58-65
13. Malherbe, G.P., Schoeman, A.S., Bennett, N.C. (2004) Is the highveld mole-rat, Cryptomys hottentotus pretoriae: (Rodentia: Bathyergidae) an induced or spontaneous ovulator. Journal of Zoology, London.  263.:159-165
14. Schoeman, S., Bennett, N.C., Van der Merwe, M., Schoeman, A.S. (2004) Aseasonal reproduction in the Hottentot golden mole, Amblysomus hottentotus (Afrosoricida: Chrysochloridae) from KwaZulu Natal. African Zoology . 39(1):41-46

1. Janse van Rensburg, L., Bennett, N.C., Van der Merwe, M., Schoeman, A.S., Brinders, J. (2003) Are non-reproductive male highveld mole-rats, Cryptomys hottentotus pretoriae physiologically suppressed while in the confines of the natal colony? Journal of Zoology. 260:73-78
2. Malherbe, G.P., Bennett, N.C., Schoeman, A.S. (2003) The reproductive biology and postnatal development of the highveld mole-rat, Cryptomys hottentotus pretoriae (Rodentia: Bathyergidae). African Zoology. 38:161-167
3. Malherbe, G.P., Bennett, N.C., Schoeman, A.S. (2003) Foraging in the subterranean social highveld mole-rat, Cryptomys hottentotus pretoriae: an investigation into size-dependent geophyte utilization and foraging patterns. Journal of Zoology. 260:219-225
4. Richter, T.A., Molteno, A.J., Malpaux, B., Bennett, N.C. (2003) Melatonin secretion in a strictly subterranean mammal, the Damaraland mole-rat (Cryptomys damarensis). Journal of Zoology. 261:1-7
5. Barnett, M., Bennett, N.C., Telford, S.R., Jarvis, J.U.M. (2003) Foraging in the subterranean social Damaraland mole-rat, Cryptomys damarensis: an investigation into size dependent geophyte utilisation and foraging patterns. Canadian Journal of Zoology. 81:743-752
6. Negroni, J., Bennett, N.C., Cooper, H.M. (2003) Organisation of the circadan system in the subterranean common mole-rat, Cryptomys hottentotus (Bathyergidae). Brain Research. 967:49-62
7. Oosthuizen, M.K., Cooper, H.M., Bennett, N.C. (2003) Circadian rhythms of locomotor activity in solitary and social mole-rats (Family: Bathyergidae). Journal of Biological Rhythms. 18:481-490