Journal article
Physiological and behavioural responses of a small heterothermic mammal to fire stimuli
Physiology & Behavior, Vol.151, pp.617-622
2015
PMID: 26343772
Abstract
The predicted increase of the frequency and intensity of wildfires as a result of climate change could have a devastating impact on many species and ecosystems. However, the particular physiological and behavioural adaptions of animals to survive fires are poorly understood. We aimed to provide the first quantitative data on physiological and behavioural mechanisms used by a small heterothermic marsupial mammal, the fat-tailed dunnart (Sminthopsis crassicaudata), that may be crucial for survival during and immediately after a fire. Specifically, we aimed to determine (i) whether captive torpid animals are able to respond to fire stimuli and (ii) which energy saving mechanisms are used in response to fires. The initial response of torpid dunnarts to smoke exposure was to arouse immediately and therefore express shorter and shallower torpor bouts. Dunnarts also increased activity after smoke exposure when food was provided, but not when food was withheld. A charcoal/ash substrate, imitating post-fire conditions, resulted in a decrease in torpor use and activity, but only when food was available. Our novel data suggests that heterothermic mammals are able to respond to fire stimuli, such as smoke, to arouse from torpor as an initial response to fire and adjust torpor use and activity levels according to food availability modulated by fire cues.
Details
- Title
- Physiological and behavioural responses of a small heterothermic mammal to fire stimuli
- Authors
- Clare Stawski (Corresponding Author) - University of New EnglandJaya K Matthews (Author) - University of New EnglandGerhard Körtner (Author) - University of New EnglandFritz Geiser (Author) - University of New England
- Publication details
- Physiology & Behavior, Vol.151, pp.617-622
- Publisher
- Elsevier Inc.
- DOI
- 10.1016/j.physbeh.2015.09.002
- ISSN
- 1873-507X
- PMID
- 26343772
- Organisation Unit
- University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland; School of Science, Technology and Engineering
- Language
- English
- Record Identifier
- 99678998502621
- Output Type
- Journal article
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- Behavioral Sciences
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