Water and Sodium Intake, and Estimated Food Consumption, in Free-Living Eastern Quolls, Dasyurus Viverrinus.

Abstract

Seasonal rates of water and sodium influx were estimated in free-living eastern quolls, Dasyurus viverrinus, in southern Tasmania, by means of tritiated water and 22Na turnover. Water and Na influxes were highly correlated and served as indices for estimating rates of food consumption. Influx rates were highest during winter and in late-stage lactating females in spring, indicating increased use of energy for thermogenesis and lactation. Comparative aspects of water turnover and metabolism in free-living marsupials are discussed.