Effects of Solar Radiation on Animal Thermoregulation

Norris, Amy L.; Kunz, Thomas

doi:10.5772/34771

Cited by 7 publications

(4 citation statements)

References 71 publications

(87 reference statements)

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“…Our selected model regarding position in the tree crown indicated a positive relation between ambient temperature and the usage frequency of the inner tree crown, which drastically increases in temperatures above 29–30°C. Several mammals are known to shelter in shaded areas under hot weather and sunny conditions, reducing the risk of hyperthermia, water loss and excessive evaporative respiration (Clarke & Fraser, 2004; Kosheleff & Anderson, 2009; Norris & Kunz, 2012; Sato, 2012; Terrien et al, 2011), including mammals in tropical forest (Hill, 2006; Takemoto, 2004). Although the outer tree crown can offer more exposure to sun, we did not find any effect of temperature on the frequency in which maned sloths rested in this canopy region.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…In fact, even some mammals are unable to sustain a constant body temperature, which oscillates with ambient temperature (i.e. heterothermy; McNab, 1978), relying greatly on behavioural thermoregulatory strategies such as postural adjustments and selection of thermally favourable microhabitats (Briscoe et al 2014; Coppola et al, 2019; Hetem et al, 2016; Norris & Kunz, 2012). These mammals with labile body temperature may expose their body to direct solar radiation via postural adjustments (basking) for warming and rewarming and use shaded/cooler areas to dissipate body heat and avoid excessive heat gain (Terrien et al, 2011).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Combined effect of ambient temperature and solar radiation on maned sloths' behaviour and detectability

et al. 2023

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Changes in ambient temperature and solar radiation may affect sloths' metabolic rate and body temperature, with consequent changes in activities, postures and microhabitat selection. Although the separate effect of temperature and solar radiation on sloth's behaviour have been previously studied, the combined effect of these climatic factors on behavioural aspects of sloths has never been systematically evaluated in field conditions. Here we evaluated the influence of hourly ambient temperature variation on maned sloth (Bradypus torquatus) activities, postures and tree crown positions, under sunny and cloudy conditions; and tested if any of the animal posture and position increase their exposure to human detection. We performed 350 h of visual observation on eight maned sloths, equipped with radio‐backpacks, in northern Bahia, Brazil, recording their activities, and their resting postures and positions on tree crowns. We also recorded the time taken to visualize the sloths on 58 days to analyse if sloths' detection is affected by posture and position. Higher ambient temperature, within a range of 21–33°C, increased the sloths' activity levels in cloudy conditions but reduced their activity in sunny conditions. Increasing ambient temperature also reduced the frequency of huddled posture and increased the frequency of extended posture and permanence in the inner tree crown. Lastly, the postures and positions did not influence sloths' detectability. Thus, the direction of the temperature–activity relationship depends on climatic conditions (sunny/cloudy), and individuals rely on resting postures and positions to thermoregulate. The warmer and drier future climate, expected to occur in the northern Atlantic Forest, may impose change in the diurnal activity levels and postural pattern for this threatened species, leading maned sloths to reduce its activity on sunny and warmer days and adopting an extended posture.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Combined effect of ambient temperature and solar radiation on maned sloths' behaviour and detectability

et al. 2023

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“…For example, evaporative heat loss increases and metabolic rate increases (Silanikove, 2000). As described by Norris and Kunz (2012), heat is transferred by four mechanisms: radiation (from a hot object to a cooler object via electromagnetic waves), conduction (between two solid objects in contact with one another), convection (through the movement of a gas or liquid) and evaporation (conversion of water from the liquid to gas phase). In the TNZ, evaporation is per definition kept to a minimum, whereas increased evaporative heat loss through the skin and/or respiratory tract occurs when the organism is challenged with higher ambient temperatures.…”

Section: Assessmentmentioning

confidence: 99%

Welfare of cattle during transport

Nielsen¹,

Álvarez²,

Bicout³

et al. 2022

EFS2

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In the framework of its Farm to Fork Strategy, the Commission is undertaking a comprehensive evaluation of the animal welfare legislation. The present Opinion deals with protection of cattle (including calves) during transport. Welfare of cattle during transport by road is the main focus, but other means of transport are also covered. Current practices related to transport of cattle during the different stages (preparation, loading/unloading, transit and journey breaks) are described. Overall, 11 welfare consequences were identified as being highly relevant for the welfare of cattle during transport based on severity, duration and frequency of occurrence: group stress, handling stress, heat stress, injuries, motion stress, prolonged hunger, prolonged thirst, respiratory disorders, restriction of movement, resting problems and sensory overstimulation. These welfare consequences and their animal-based measures are described. A variety of hazards, mainly relating to inexperienced/untrained handlers, inappropriate handling, structural deficiencies of vehicles and facilities, poor driving conditions, unfavourable microclimatic and environmental conditions, and poor husbandry practices leading to these welfare consequences were identified. The Opinion contains general and specific conclusions relating to the different stages of transport for cattle. Recommendations to prevent hazards and to correct or mitigate welfare consequences have been developed. Recommendations were also developed to define quantitative thresholds for microclimatic conditions within the means of transport and spatial thresholds (minimum space allowance). The development of welfare consequences over time was assessed in relation to maximum journey duration. The Opinion covers specific animal transport scenarios identified by the European Commission relating to transport of unweaned calves, cull cows, the export of cattle by livestock vessels, the export of cattle by road, rollon-roll-off ferries and 'special health status animals', and lists welfare concerns associated with these.

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“…These requirements often result in trade-offs and changes in distribution and abundance, as it is unusual for a single region to provide all of the resources needed for a species. For example, seals shift to solid substrate to escape predators, for thermoregulatory purposes, and/or to rest (Norris and Kunz 2012).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Temporal changes in habitat use by dugongs in a spatially restricted coral reef environment

Cleguer,

Garrigue,

Fuentes

et al. 2024

Pacific Conserv. Biol.

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Context The dynamic habitat use by dugongs (Dugong dugon) in small coral reef lagoon systems spatially limited by tides is not well understood and has hampered adaptive management. Aims We investigated how dugongs locally used a high conservation value coral-reef lagoon system during different seasons and tides to support local management. Methods We conducted local-scale aerial surveys to document the seasonal and tidal changes in the distribution and number of dugongs over seagrass and non-seagrass coral reef habitats in a small lagoon in New Caledonia. The surveys were conducted fortnightly over 18 months in different seasons and at different tides. Temperature loggers and existing local footage of dugong herding behaviour were used to study the habitat use and behaviour of the animals in the area. Key results More dugongs were sighted in Cap Goulvain during the cool season than during the warm season. As tides restricted access to the intertidal seagrass meadows and during the cool season, more dugongs were sighted outside the lagoon on the fore reef shelf outside the lagoon. Dugongs were resting in large aggregations during their use of this non-seagrass habitat. Conclusions Our study emphasises the importance of non-seagrass habitats for dugongs in spatially restricted coral reef environments as well as the importance of considering outer lagoon habitats as key dugong management areas. This study also adds evidence of behavioural thermoregulation in dugongs. Implications The development of dynamic management strategies is essential, especially where different habitats should be protected at different times of the year.

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Effects of Solar Radiation on Animal Thermoregulation

Cited by 7 publications

References 71 publications

Combined effect of ambient temperature and solar radiation on maned sloths' behaviour and detectability

Combined effect of ambient temperature and solar radiation on maned sloths' behaviour and detectability

Welfare of cattle during transport

Temporal changes in habitat use by dugongs in a spatially restricted coral reef environment

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