A Suggested Thermoneutral Zone for African Lions (Panthera leo Linnaeus, 1758) in the Southwestern Kalahari, Namibia
Titel:
A Suggested Thermoneutral Zone for African Lions (Panthera leo Linnaeus, 1758) in the Southwestern Kalahari, Namibia
Auteur:
Y. Smith O.B. Kok
Verschenen in:
Pakistan journal of biological sciences
Paginering:
Jaargang 9 (2006) nr. 13 pagina's 2535-2537
Jaar:
2006
Inhoud:
Aspects of the thermoregulatory behaviour of a small pride of African lions (Panthera leo) consisting of two adult males, an adult female and two cubs, were investigated at Intu Afrika Kalahari Game Reserve, southeastern Namibia, during winter 2003 and summer 2004. Early morning sunbathing on dune crests was considerably longer during winter when compared to summer, but the cutoff ambient temperature for this behaviour was the same (25°C) for both seasons. Loin exposure, on both empty and full bellies, always occurred between 28 and 34°C. Panting during winter only occurred after bursts of activity on empty bellies. During summer, however, panting was observed while the pride was active and static, being initiated at ambient temperatures of 34°C. It can, therefore, be inferred that the thermoneutral zone for this pride lies between 25 and 33°C.
Uitgever:
Asian Network for Scientific Information (provided by DOAJ)
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