Inter‐colony invasion between wild naked mole‐rat colonies

Abstract Despite published reports of inter‐colony aggression and invasion in the laboratory, direct aggressive competition for resources has not previously been considered as a driving force for the large colony size in naked mole‐rats ( Heterocephalus glaber ). We report evidence that wild colonies of naked mole‐rats invade neighbouring colonies and thus expand their territories. Furthermore, as has been observed in laboratory colonies, invading colonies may kidnap un‐weaned pups which can subsequently be incorporated into the workforce. This is convergent with the slave‐making ants and suggests that intergroup aggression between naked mole‐rat colonies may be a strong selective pressure for group living and extreme colony size.