Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item: https://hdl.handle.net/1959.11/2744
Title: Basking and diurnal foraging in the dasyurid marsupial 'Pseudantechinus macdonnellensis'
Contributor(s): Pavey, Christoph Robert (author); Geiser, Fritz  (author)orcid 
Publication Date: 2008
DOI: 10.1071/ZO08032
Handle Link: https://hdl.handle.net/1959.11/2744
Abstract: Several mammal species bask to passively rewarm during arousal from torpor, a strategy that can decrease energetic costs. Nothing is known about basking behaviour in these species or the trade-offs between energetic benefits of basking and potential costs associated with changes in activity patterns and increased predation risk. We assessed basking during winter in 'Pseudantechinus macdonnellensis', an Australian arid-zone marsupial that belongs to a family (Dasyuridae) that is typically nocturnal. Animals were implanted with temperature-sensitive transmitters to assess body temperatures and to assist in visually locating animals active during the day. Tagged animals regularly exhibited diurnal foraging. Foraging bouts occurred throughout the day; however, most bouts were observed within 3 h of sunset. By comparison, basking occurred much more frequently in the morning. Basking and a shift towards diurnal foraging in winter is associated with a decrease in richness and abundance of predators. 'P. macdonnellensis' appears to compensate for the occurrence of torpor during the active phase (i.e. night) in winter by changing activity patterns such that foraging commences during what is usually the rest phase. These activity patterns are not expected to occur during the remainder of the year.
Publication Type: Journal Article
Source of Publication: Australian Journal of Zoology, 56(2), p. 129-135
Publisher: CSIRO Publishing
Place of Publication: Australia
ISSN: 1446-5698
0004-959X
Fields of Research (FoR) 2008: 060801 Animal Behaviour
Socio-Economic Objective (SEO) 2008: 970106 Expanding Knowledge in the Biological Sciences
Peer Reviewed: Yes
HERDC Category Description: C1 Refereed Article in a Scholarly Journal
Publisher/associated links: http://nla.gov.au/anbd.bib-an923640
Appears in Collections:Journal Article

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