Journal article
Torpor and basking after a severe wildfire: mammalian survival strategies in a scorched landscape
Journal of Comparative Physiology B, Vol.187(2), pp.385-393
2017
PMID: 27734149
Abstract
Wildfires can completely obliterate above-ground vegetation, yet some small terrestrial mammals survive during and after fires. As knowledge about the physiological and behavioural adaptations that are crucial for post-wildfire survival is scant, we investigated the thermal biology of a small insectivorous marsupial (Antechinus flavipes) after a severe forest fire. Some populations of antechinus survived the fire in situ probably by hiding deep in rocky crevices, the only fire-proof sites near where they were trapped. We hypothesised that survival in the post-fire landscape was achieved by decreasing daytime activity and using torpor frequently to save energy. Indeed, daytime activity was less common and torpor expression was substantially higher (>= 2-fold) at the post-fire site than observed in an unburnt control site and also in comparison to a laboratory study, both when food was provided ad libitum and withheld. Basking in the post-fire site was also recorded, which was likely used to further reduce energy expenditure. Our data suggest that torpor and basking are used by this terrestrial mammal to reduce energy and foraging requirements, which is important in a landscape where food and shelter are limited and predation pressure typically is increased.
Details
- Title
- Torpor and basking after a severe wildfire: mammalian survival strategies in a scorched landscape
- Authors
- Jaya K Matthews (Author) - University of New EnglandClare Stawski (Author) - University of New EnglandGerhard Kortner (Author) - University of New EnglandCassandra A Parker (Author) - Univ New England, Ctr Behav & Physiol Ecol, Zool, Armidale, NSW 2351, AustraliaFritz Geiser (Author) - University of New England
- Publication details
- Journal of Comparative Physiology B, Vol.187(2), pp.385-393
- Publisher
- Springer
- DOI
- 10.1007/s00360-016-1039-4
- ISSN
- 1432-136X
- PMID
- 27734149
- Organisation Unit
- School of Science, Technology and Engineering; University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland
- Language
- English
- Record Identifier
- 99638879002621
- Output Type
- Journal article
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- Physiology
- Zoology
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