Integrating physiological and behavioral observations into ecological field studies of animals can provide novel insights into relationships among animal behavior, physiology, and ecology. We describe and evaluate a new technique for simultaneously collecting body temperature (Tb) and burrow use data for semi-fossorial mammals by combining light-sensitive radiotransmitters and implanted temperature-sensitive dataloggers. We used this approach to collect core Tb and activity data for 9 free-ranging arctic ground squirrels (Spermophilus parryii) in northern Alaska, USA, at approximately 5-minute intervals for 30–90 days each to address questions related to thermoregulation, energetics, foraging, sociality, and timing of activity in natural environments.
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1 June 2007
Simultaneous Collection of Body Temperature and Activity Data in Burrowing Mammals: a New Technique
RYAN A. LONG,
ROELOF A. HUT,
BRIAN M. BARNES
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Journal of Wildlife Management
Vol. 71 • No. 4
June 2007
Vol. 71 • No. 4
June 2007
activity
Arctic Ground Squirrel
behavior
body temperature
burrow
light-sensitive transmitter
Spermophilus parryii