Weather Patterns and Daily Torpor in Free-ranging Animals

摘要: Torpor was investigated in free-ranging tawny frogmouths (Podargus strigoides: Caprimulgiformes) and sugar gliders (Petaurus breviceps: Marsupialia) near Armidale, NSW, Australia. Both nocturnal species entered torpor regularly. most frequent June/July/August (frogmouth: 50.4%; glider: 22.3%), the three coldest months of year. preferably during their normal activity phase. While extended into rest phase, always aroused before sunrise, but often commenced a second bout around dawn. Low Ta main stimulus for expression torpor, rainfall also important. It appears that inclement weather conditions not only increase thermoregulatory costs, more importantly, prevent successful foraging both species. Therefore, cannot balance daily energy budget, is nevertheless important to stretch body reserves, which can be replenished irregularly.