Body temperature, thermoregulatory behaviour and pelt characteristics of three colour morphs of springbok (Antidorcas marsupialis).

摘要: Abstract Using intra-abdominal miniature data loggers, we measured core body temperature in female springbok ( Antidorcas marsupialis ) of three colour morphs (black, normal and white), free-living the Karoo, South Africa, for one year. During winter, white displayed lower daily minimum temperatures (37.4 ± 0.5 °C), than both black (38.1 ± 0.3 °C) (38.0 ± 0.6 °C) springbok. spring, higher maximum (40.7 ± 0.1 °C) (40.2 ± 0.2 °C) These high were associated with larger amplitudes nychthemeral rhythm (2.0 ± 0.2 °C), that (1.6 ± 0.1 °C) (1.7 ± 0.2 °C) Biophysical properties sample pelts consistent these patterns, as pelt showed reflectance visible spectral range, heat load from simulated solar radiation, did other two Black had diurnal activity them having to forage less because their metabolic cost homeothermy was lower, but disadvantaged hot periods. White springbok, by contrast, more protected load, potentially able meet energy winter. Thus considerations may underlie rarity morphs.