TEMPERATURE REGULATION IN THE VAMPIRE BAT DESMODUS ROTUNDUS,
Abstract
Body temperature and oxygen consumption were measured at various environmental temperatures in a series of captive and wild caught vampire bats, Desmodus rotundus. The response to changes in ambient temperatures was unpredictable and could not be correlated with the age or sex of the animals, their nutritional condition, or the length of their captivity. Body temperature varied greatly, but generally did not fall below 30C when the ambient temperature was above 25C. At lower ambient temperatures, some bats increased their metabolism and maintained a high body temperature for varying periods, while others showed little or no increase in metabolic rate, and their body temperatures declined. Below about 20C body temperature, bats were unable to rewarm themselves without exogenous heat. Calculations indicate that vampires did not drink sufficient blood to maintain a homeothermic condition at the temperatures of temperate zone hibernacula. Bats could tolerate ambient temperatures of 33C or more for only short periods. It is suggested that Desmodus is limited from spreading northward because of its inferior temperature regulation. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Sep 01, 1965
- Accession Number
- AD0624043
Entities
People
- Charles P. Lyman
- William A. Wimsatt
Organizations
- Cornell University