Physiology of Prairie Dogs (ST35t)
(ARS #190)
Erin, Lehmer
Mike Antolin
970-491-1911 Antolin@lamar.colostate.edu
Objective: The objectives of this study were to determine body temperature patterns of black-tailed prairie dogs under natural field conditions and to elucidate the relationship between torpor, environment, and body condition in this species. We recorded the body temperatures of free-ranging adult black-tailed prairie dogs during two consecutive winter seasons in order to determine whether this species practices facultative torpor when environmental conditions are unfavorable. We also examined seasonal changes in body composition and lipid composition of the white adipose tissue and diet to elucidate patterns of energy utilization during periods of environmental and physiological stress.
Methods:
Study Sites and Animals: Adult (>1year) black-tailed
prairie dogs were live trapped (5 males, 5 females; Tomahawk Co., Tomahawk,
Wisconsin) in autumn 1998 (15 October -- 30 November).
All trapping was conducted at the Central Plains Experimental Range (CPER)
on the Pawnee National Grassland in Weld County, Colorado (40o40’N,
107o47’W; about 1,650m). Climate at the CPER is semi-arid, with
mean monthly temperatures ranging from –5oC in January to 22oC
in July (Stapp 1997). By monitoring prairie dogs from two colonies(separated by
about 3km), we were able to track torpor patterns in animals exposed to similar
climatic conditions that had no regular contact with members of the other
colony. To our knowledge, animals
had not been exposed to previous handling or trapping.
For further findings from this study, please see the attached thesis:
Thesis (ms word)
03/21/2002