Thermal Benefits of Huddling in the Muskrat (Ondatra zibethicus)

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Abstract
We examined the energy saving and social interactions associated with winter huddling behavior in the muskrat, Ondatra zibethicus. At air temperatures of −10°C and 0°C, which encompass the lowest microclimate temperatures recorded from winter shelters, the resting metabolic rate of an aggregate of four muskrats averaged 11–14% below that of single animals. The minimal thermal conductance of the grouped animals was reduced by 8–10% over this same temperature range. Our findings suggest that communal nesting confers a modest, but potentially significant metabolic saving to overwintering muskrats.

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