Metabolism and thermoregulation in the sugar glider, 'Petaurus breviceps' (Marsupialia)

Abstract

Marsupial mammals living in temperate regions must cope with environmental stresses imposed by daily and seasonal changes in climate. However, limited information is available on seasonal adjustments of thermal physiology, morphology and behaviour of this mammalian subclass. The sugar glider, 'Petaurus breviceps', is a small, nocturnal marsupial (115-140 g) which inhabits the east coast of Australia, including the New England Tablelands, a cool-temperate region with marked daily and seasonal changes in ambient temperature (Ta). Consequently, this species is often subjected to high energetic stress. To see how they respond to energetic challenges, gliders were maintained under natural Ta and photoperiod. Metabolic rates, body temperature (Tb), thermal conductance, locomotor activity, body mass, body composition, and food consumption were determined throughout the year.