Energy Requirements of Beavers (Castor canadensis) Swimming Underwater

摘要: ABSTRACT Energy requirements of beavers (Castor canadensis) swimming voluntarily underwater were investigated in Neumunster Zoo (Germany) a covered, still‐water swim channel with oxygen and carbon dioxide respirometry. During the experiments, all activities monitored recorded. While at rest within their thermoneutral zone on land (17°C), had respiratory quotient 0.95 resting metabolic rate 1.58 W kg−1. When water, energy rose to 2.31 channel, preferred mean speed 0.64 m s−1, 2.64 Cost transport, however, was minimal 0.9 s−1 amounted 0.36 J NT1 m−1. Although must compromise form function operate water land, while diving amount only 1.65 times compare well those accomplished swimmers such as aquatic mammals birds.