Meeting Abstract
P1.1 Tuesday, Jan. 4 Torpor patterns and non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA) levels in golden-mantled ground squirrels (Callospermophilus lateralis) under natural conditions BURDETT, K.A.*; HEALY, J.E.; BUCK, C.L.; FLORANT, G.L.; Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO; Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO; Institute of Artic Biology and Dept. of Biology and Wildlife, Univ. of Alaska Fairbanks, AK; Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO kburdett3@gmail.com
The golden-mantled ground squirrel (GMGS) is a hibernator that undergoes multi-day torpor bouts in order to survive the winter. GMGS torpor patterns have been well studied under lab conditions, but little is known about torpor patterns of this species in a natural hibernacula. We hypothesized that under natural conditions, there would be a significant difference between reproductive and non-reproductive individuals, as well as a difference between the sexes. Furthermore, we hypothesized plasma NEFA concentrations during spring/summer months would be significantly lower than lab kept animals. In order to test these hypotheses, animals were implanted in the abdominal cavity with body temperature (Tb) data loggers (iButtons), released prior to the hibernation season (August) and recaptured in spring (May). Blood samples were taken May-August in order to determine NEFA levels. Animals exhibited torpor bouts of 8-14 days on average with a maximum of 21 days, decreasing (Tb) to 0°C±1°. Under natural conditions, reproductive males emerged earlier, spent less time in torpor, and had fewer, shorter bouts when compared with reproductive females, and non-reproductive individuals. Our results support our hypotheses that there is a difference between sexes, as well as individuals who are reproductively active and those who are not. Additionally, no significant differences were found in NEFA concentrations between field and lab animals except in the month of August where lab concentrations were significantly elevated.
