Activity Metabolism of Salamanders: Tolerance to Dehydration

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Abstract
The oxygen consumption and total body lactate concentration of specimens of the terrestrial salamander Plethodon jordani were measured at rest and after 5 min of forced locomotion, at full hydration (100% of standard body mass) and after dehydration to 85% of standard masss, at 15 and 25.degree. C. In addition, we measured standard and activity oxygen consumption of specimens of newts, Notophthalmus viridescens, in their terrestrial stage (efts), at 100% and 80% of standard mass, at 15.degree. C. Dehydration had no effect on the oxygen consumption of these salamanders at rest or during induced activity. Furthermore, dehydration elicited no change in the resting or post-activity lactate concentration. The reduction in voluntary foraging activity by terrestrial salamanders during dry periods cannot be attributed to a dehydration induced loss in the capacity to power locomotion by aerobic or anaerobic means.