Journal article
Winter climate affects torpor patterns and roost choice in New Zealand lesser short‐tailed bats
Journal of Zoology, Vol.303(3), pp.236-243
2017
Abstract
Variation in winter conditions differentially impacts thermoregulation of endotherms, with some species using torpor as an energy‐saving strategy during periods of negative energy balance. We evaluated how differences in energy balance due to winter ambient temperatures (Ta), would lead to differing torpor expression and roost choice between populations. Here, we monitored Ta and skin temperatures (Tsk) of New Zealand lesser short‐tailed bats (Mystacina tuberculata) using temperature telemetry from an inland population from Pureora, North Island and another from Hauturu/Little Barrier Island (Hauturu), an offshore island. Relative to Pureora, all recorded Ta variables were higher in Hauturu. Hauturu bats used short torpor (<24 h) more frequently (51% of observational days) than their Pureora conspecifics (33%). Furthermore, minimum Tsk of Hauturu bats correlated positively with mean Ta and Hauturu bats were more likely to arouse on nights with warmer sunset Ta. No correlation was found for Pureora bats. Torpor bout duration did not differ between sites. On Hauturu, bats preferred thermally unstable roosts and preferentially roosted inside dead punga/silver fern‐trees (Cyathea dealbata). As punga thermal characteristics did not differ from Ta, Hauturu bats may take advantage of warm Ta to reduce rewarming costs. We did not observe differences in any thermoregulatory variables between sexes in Hauturu. Differences in winter Ta may differentially impact populations across a latitudinal gradient. Although bat populations in warmer climates are under less thermoregulatory stress, site and climate specific adaptations appear to be employed that affect roost choice and torpor patterns.
In this study, we find exciting differences between the thermoregulation patterns of two populations of New Zealand lesser short‐tailed bats, one from a subtropical island and one from the more temperate mainland. We show that climatic differences in winter ambient temperature directly affect the roosting preference and torpor patterns of small mammals. Photo credit: David Mudge.
Details
- Title
- Winter climate affects torpor patterns and roost choice in New Zealand lesser short‐tailed bats
- Authors
- Z. J Czenze (Author) - University of AucklandR. M Brigham (Author) - University of ReginaA. J. R Hickey (Author) - University of ReginaS Parsons (Author) - University of Auckland
- Publication details
- Journal of Zoology, Vol.303(3), pp.236-243; 8
- Publisher
- Wiley-Blackwell Publishing Ltd.
- DOI
- 10.1111/jzo.12486
- ISSN
- 1469-7998
- Organisation Unit
- School of Science, Technology and Engineering; University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland
- Language
- English
- Record Identifier
- 99575106702621
- Output Type
- Journal article
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