Body temperature and fur quality in swimming Water-Shrews, Neomy fodiens (Mammalia, Insectivora)

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Serval ID
serval:BIB_D447F707FF84
Type
Article: article from journal or magazin.
Collection
Publications
Institution
Title
Body temperature and fur quality in swimming Water-Shrews, Neomy fodiens (Mammalia, Insectivora)
Journal
Zeitschrift für Säugetierkunde
Author(s)
Vogel P.
ISSN
0044-3468
Publication state
Published
Issued date
1990
Volume
55
Number
2
Pages
73-80
Language
english
Abstract
Body temperature of the European water-shrew Neomys fodiens was reinvestigated with intraperitoneally implanted radiotransmitters. Two animals, caged in outdoor conditions, were tested during February and March. Mean body temperature (Tb) during rest was 37.0°C, during activity 37.5°C. During stress of capture Tb increased to 38.4°C, and during a social confrontation mean Tb was 39.4°C.
During forced swimming Tb decreased at a rate of 1.1°C per minute in an animal with wet fur. However, when kept in adequate conditions, animals could maintain their body temperature at a level of about 37°C in most of the tested situations. In water of 2.6°C, mean Tb after 6 min of forced swimming or diving was 37.4°C, comparable to Tb terrestrial activity. In these animals the fur remained dry even on its surface. The pelt of these shrews has a hydrophobic property which seems to be unique compared to other semiaquatic mammals.
Web of science
Create date
24/01/2008 18:32
Last modification date
20/08/2019 16:54
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