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Prolonged and daily torpor in the feathertail glider, Acrobates pygmaeus (Marsupialia: Acrobatidae)
Author(s) -
Jones Caroline J.,
Geiser Fritz
Publication year - 1992
Publication title -
journal of zoology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.915
H-Index - 96
eISSN - 1469-7998
pISSN - 0952-8369
DOI - 10.1111/j.1469-7998.1992.tb04347.x
Subject(s) - torpor , biology , marsupial , hibernation (computing) , thermoregulation , zoology , ecology , state (computer science) , algorithm , computer science
Deep and prolonged torpor in marsupials is only known from the pygmy possums, family Burramyidae. We investigated the pattern of torpor in the feathertail glider Acrobates pygmaeus (Acrobatidae) to determine whether members of other marsupial families also possess the ability of remaining torpid for several days with body temperatures (T b ) approaching 0°C. At high air temperatures (T a ) of 15 and 20°C, A. pygmaeus usually exhibited daily torpor. Torpor bouts at T a 12°C usually lasted for about 2˙5 days and at T a 8°C up to 5˙5 days. The metabolic rate during torpor was reduced to about 1% of that in normothermic, resting individuals. The T b during torpor was regulated at about 2°C when T a fell below about 0˙8 °C. Arousal from torpor was rapid and the mean fastest rewarming rate was 0˙88°C/min. While A. pygmaeus exhibited deep and prolonged torpor, its pattern differed somewhat from deep hibernation. Acrobates pygmaeus did not show prehibernation fattening and a subsequent prolonged hibernation period and it appears that prolonged torpor is used only in emergency situations.