BODY TEMPERATURES IN SOME AUSTRALIAN MAMMALS I. CHIROPTERA

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Abstract
Body temperatures were measured in 2 Australian bats, Miniopterus blepotis and Pteropus poliocephalus, in relation to activity and ambient temperature. Miniopterus (49 values) showed a mean [plus or minus] standard deviation of 39.1 [plus or minus]1.0[degree] C for all activity levels within 8 hours of capture. The mean after prolonged flight was 41.1[degree] C and during rest was 37.2[degree] C. Lower values were observed following 1-3 days at 5[degree] C, as in other Microchiroptera. Pteropus (23 values) showed a mean of 36.5 [plus or minus] 0.77[degree] C at room temperature. Ambient temperatures to 10[degree] C did not reduce the body temperature. Measurements of oxygen consumption showed a marked increase in the cold (2.5 x BMR) and a thermal conductance, 0.068 ccO2g -1hr.-1[degree]C-1 comparable to a temperate mammal of this size. The BMR, 0.84 ccO2 g-1hr.-1, also followed the general relation for mammals.

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