Flood-induced multiday torpor in golden spiny mice (Acomys russatus)
Orly Barak A , Fritz Geiser A B and Noga Kronfeld-Schor A CA School of Zoology, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 6997801, Israel.
B Centre for Behavioural and Physiological Ecology, Zoology, University of New England, Armidale, NSW 2351, Australia.
C Corresponding author. Email: nogaks@tauex.tau.ac.il
Australian Journal of Zoology 66(6) 401-405 https://doi.org/10.1071/ZO19061
Submitted: 26 September 2019 Accepted: 5 December 2019 Published: 24 December 2019
Abstract
Mammalian and avian torpor is widely viewed as an adaptation for survival of cold winters. However, in recent years it has been established that torpor can also be expressed in summer and that the functions of torpor are manyfold, including survival of adverse environmental events such as fires, storms, heat waves and droughts. Here we provide the first evidence on (1) torpor induction via an accidental flooding event in mammals (in captivity) and (2) expression of multiday torpor by spiny mice, lasting >7 times as long as usually observed for this desert rodent. Our data suggest yet another function of mammalian torpor, as a response to flood, in addition to many other adverse environmental events, and not just in response to cold.
Additional keywords: desert.
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