Basal metabolic rates and thermoregulatory abilities in four small mammals

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Abstract
Metabolic measurements are reported for Sorex vagrans, Microtus montanus, Peromyscus maniculatus, and Reithrodontomys megalotis. Basal metabolism, resting metabolism, thermal neutral zone, and conductance were assessed and compared with values predicted by body size. Most values were in close agreement with the predictions and with previous studies. While these measurements have not previously been made for S. vagrans, this species appears to be metabolically similar to other members of the genus and to shrews in general. A model for evaluating relative thermoregulatory ability via the calculation of a "thermoregulatory index" is also discussed. It is concluded that S. vagrans is as good a thermoregulator as are the rodent species studied.