Effect of water restriction on temperature regulation of the fruit-bat Rousettus aegyptiacus

摘要: 1. 1. The thermoregulatory responses of the fruit-bat, Rousettus aegyptiacus, only fruit-bat out 32 bat species in Israel, were studied over a wide range ambient temperature during normal hydration and water restriction. 2. 2. thermoneutral zone normally-hydrated ranged between 31–36°C. Oxygen consumption this averaged 0.95 ± 0.15 ml g−1 h−. 3. 3. Evaporative loss respiration frequency incrased as power functions significantly correlated (P < 0.02). normally-hydrated, heat exposed effectively regulated its body dissipated total metabolic production by evaporative cooling. 4. 4. In bats fed on oven-dried apples (water restriction), mass decreased 20.72 2.78%. 32–36°C increased was relatively high. sinificantly, except at 36°C where not different from that hydration, suggesting preference for temprature regulation cost loss. At temperature, dry thermal conductance compared to facilitating non-evaporative loss. 5. 5. We conclude Israeli population aegyptiacus is adapted warm climate can cope with content exclusive fruit diet regulate rate.