Meeting Abstract
Although increases in body temperature resulting from muscle contraction are known to promote limited endothermy in some large reptiles, it is possible that the modest increases in body temperature (Tb) observed during exercise in smaller reptiles may nevertheless be ecologically relevant. We examined the potential impact of heat generated by movement in ornate box turtles while running outdoors in sun and shade, indoors on cold sand, and while digging through cold sand. Body temperature was measured with implanted temperature transponders. In the running trials, the Tb of individuals running quickly after prey or for cover were compared to temperatures of stationary individuals under the same thermal conditions. Running significantly increased Tb over resting. Digging in cold sand simulated emergence from hibernation. This also produced an increase in Tb. In another study, we measured the rate of heating and cooling and found that Tb increases faster than it decreases, thus heat dissipation is relatively slow. Our findings suggest that heat generated during activity could both limit above ground activity in warm conditions and promote digging during entry into and emergence from hibernation.
