An Instance of Infanticide in Micromys minutus under Natural Habitat

Abstract

Killed pups of Micromys minutus were left in their breeding nest under natural habitat. Their estimated age was 5 or 6 days. When discovered, the bodies were still bleeding and did not show cadaveric rigidity yet. Bites were located on the nose, neck, side and inguinal resions in all of them. Two received a severe injury on the head. From the examination of bites, it was inferred that the infanticide was done in a brief time by their mother.