AbstractSouthern African gerbils comprise 3 genera, each genus represented by morphologically‐ and ecologically‐similar species. All species are monomorphic, with social systems varying from asocial (Desmodillus auricularis) to colonial (Tateraspecies).This study compares the behaviour patterns of an allopatric species,T. afra, 2 sympatric species,T. leucogasterandT. brantsii, and a species of a different genus,D. auriculariswhich is sympatric withT. leucogasterandT. brantsii.Interactions between males and females of the same species were staged and quantified in terms of the frequencies of each of 23 behavioural acts.D. auricularisperformed 2 acts, namely “sidle” and “fight” which have not been identified inGerbillurusorTaterainteractions. Sequences of behaviour were similar in all species, and involved females moving away from males, which followed, sniffed the anogenital region and attempted to mount the females. Females responded by presenting, if receptive, or agonistic behaviour such as aggressive or upright postures. Exploration of the terrarium accounted for a large proportion of the behaviour during the 20 min encounter, and watching the opponent also occurred frequently.Discriminant function analysis successfully separated all 4 species on the basis of behaviour frequencies. Individuals were assigned to the correct species with an accuracy of 80, indicating that each species exhibits species‐specific patterns of behaviour.D. auricularisdisplayed more agonistic and sexual behaviour and less huddling behaviour than any of theTateraspecies.The sympatric species‐pair,T. leucogasterandT. brantsii, exhibited more significant difference in behaviour than either of the allopatric species‐pairs,T. afraandT. brantsii, andT. afraandT. leucogaster.Divergence in behaviour patterns has occurred in allopatric species, but divergence is more marked in species which are sympatric. It is not known whether divergence betweenT. leucogasterandT. brantsiioccurred during a period of allopatry, or whether divergence has occurred due to selection against hy
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