Distinct oxytocin populations support seismic social communication and militant behaviors in a naturally solitary wild rodent

The blind mole rat (BMR) is a solitary and highly aggressive subterranean mammal that avoids social interaction yet communicates with conspecifics using long-distance seismic signals. Here, we identify a previously undescribed oxytocin (OT) neuron population in the anteroventral periventricular nucleus (AVPV) of the BMR hypothalamus, alongside OT⁺ neurons in the paraventricular (PVN) and supraoptic nuclei. Using neuroanatomical mapping and ethologically relevant social paradigms, we show that OT⁺ neurons in both the AVPV and PVN are activated by non-contact social encounters. However, they are differently recruited by the social signals, with PVN neuronal activation associated with defensive behaviors, and AVPV neuronal activation associated with seismic communication. AI-based behavioral analysis further links OT circuitry activation with efficient drumming behavior. These findings indicate an unexpected role for oxytocin in solitary social signaling and suggest that in BMRs, the oxytocinergic system has undergone unique adaptations to support a non-affiliative, context-specific social lifestyle.