New object and new place reactions of Rattus meltada - Chopra, G.; Sood, M. L. (1984)
The behaviour of the soft-furred field rat, Rattus meltada (Gray), was studied in an artificial environment, a "plus" maze. The maze consisted of a central nest box and four arms. Food and water were placed in different arms. A detailed analysis of habituation to the artificial environment, and of reactions towards novelty was made. The rats usually avoided new objects placed in a familiar place but showed little hesitation to explore a previously inaccessible area. The rats generally stopped avoiding strange objects placed near food within 2 to 3 days even when an alternative source of food was available elsewhere.
Keywords: artificial environment; behaviour; Rattus meltada; new object reactions; new place reactions