Torpor on Demand: Heterothermy in the Non-Lemur Primate Galago moholi

• DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0010797
• Publication Date: 2010-05-24T22:14:28Z
• Authors: Julia Nowack; Nomakwezi Mzilikazi; Kathrin H. Dausmann
• Keywords: Torpor; Prosimian; Insectivore; Hibernation; Frugivore

Background Hibernation and daily torpor are energy- water-saving adaptations employed to survive unfavourable periods mostly in temperate arctic environments, but also tropical arid climates. Heterothermy has been found a number of mammalian orders, within the primates so far it seems be restricted one family Malagasy lemurs. As currently there is no evidence heterothermy primate outside Madagascar, aim our study was investigate whether small from mainland Africa indeed always homeothermic despite pronounced seasonal changes weather food availability. Methodology/Principal Findings One nearest relatives lemurs, African lesser bushbaby, Galago moholi, which inhabits highly habitat with hot wet-season cold dry-season lower abundance, investigated determine capable heterothermy. We measured skin temperature free-ranging individuals throughout cool dry season using temperature-sensitive collars as well metabolic rate captured individuals. Torpor by 15% 20 animals. Only these animals displayed response natural availability water, whereas other became torpid without access water. Conclusions/Significance Our results show that G. moholi physiologically employing torpor. However they do not use routine behaviour, only under adverse conditions. This reluctance presumably result conflicting selective pressures for energy savings versus ecological evolutionary forces, such reproduction or territory defence. support view evolved before division Strepsirhini, possible implication more species than previously thought might still have potential call upon this possibility, if situation necessitates it.