Changes in behaviour with temperature in the red kangaroo, Megaleia rufa

Abstract

The behaviour of a group of six red kangaroos in captivity was observed during the middle of the day in summer and winter. Time spent in nine activities was recorded, and the patterns of behaviour at different temperatures compared. Most time was spent lying down, in shade in summer and sun in winter, but most animals showed a decrease in time lying down as temperature rose from 20 to > 30°C. This is related to licking of forelimbs and abdomen, which occurred in hot weather, generally when an animal was standing, and also to the increased frequency of changes in position in summer, from sun to shade and from shade to sun. In winter, the periods of time spent in sun or shade were longer than in summer. The significance for survival of such minor behavioural attributes is discussed.