Body temperature patterns in black-tailed prairie dogs in the field

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Abstract
Body temperatures (Tb) of black-tailed prairie dogs (Cynomys ludovicianus) were monitored in the field for 1 year. A daily Tb rhythm was evident during all months that animals were monitored. Diurnal high Tb was always greater than nocturnal low Tb. An annual Tb pattern was evident with summer Tb > winter Tb. The maximum range in Tb over the year was 5.8 °C, between August diurnal Tb (39.3 °C) and January nocturnal Tb (33.5 °C). The greatest difference between average high and low Tb in 1 month occurred in January (2.8 °C). Torpor was never observed. The lowest recorded Tb in any individual animal was 31.0 °C during nighttime hours in January. Males exhibited higher Tb than females at all hours during the prebreeding period in January, while females showed greater Tb than males during the breeding period in February for 15 of 24 h. Significant differences in Tb were not observed between males and females at other times of the year. The daily and annual Tb patterns observed result in energy and water savings.