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1 April 2013 No Effects of Huddling on Core Body Temperature in Rock Hyrax, Procavia capensis
C.T. Downs, K. Wimberger, A.L. Wilson
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Abstract

Huddling is a behavioural energy conservation mechanism that is widely used by many small endotherms at low ambient temperatures. Huddling has many benefits, including decreasing the metabolic cost of maintaining body temperature (Tb), reducing the amount of heat lost to the environment, and increasing the local temperature of the nest. To test the effects of huddling on Tb, 10 rockhyrax, Procavia capensis, were housed in outside cages in four groups, varying from one to four individuals. iButtons® were surgically implanted into each rock hyrax to record their Tb every 15 min from August to November. Despite considerable variations in ambient temperatures, the rock hyrax were found to display some degree of heterothermy by varying their mean Tb from 36.70 to 37.72°C (n = 10) but not allowing it to drop below 33.60°C or rise above 39.67°C. Contrary to what was predicted, rock hyrax did not display any significant effects of huddling on Tb, irrespective of group size.

C.T. Downs, K. Wimberger, and A.L. Wilson "No Effects of Huddling on Core Body Temperature in Rock Hyrax, Procavia capensis," African Zoology 48(1), 173-176, (1 April 2013). https://doi.org/10.3377/004.048.0104
Received: 2 November 2012; Accepted: 1 March 2013; Published: 1 April 2013
KEYWORDS
body temperature
energy conservation
huddle
Procavia capensis
Rock hyrax
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