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Zhang J, Wu X. The Whole Genome DNA Methylation Signatures of Hindlimb Muscles in Chinese Alligators during Hibernation and Active Periods. Animals (Basel) 2024; 14:1972. [PMID: 38998084 PMCID: PMC11240547 DOI: 10.3390/ani14131972] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2024] [Revised: 06/12/2024] [Accepted: 07/02/2024] [Indexed: 07/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Many ectotherms hibernate to increase their chances of survival during harsh winter conditions. The role of DNA methylation in regulating gene expression related to hibernation in ectotherms remains unclear. Here, we employed whole-genome bisulfite sequencing (WGBS) technology to construct a comprehensive genome-wide DNA methylation landscape of the hindlimb muscles in the Chinese alligator during hibernation and active periods. The results indicated that methylation modifications were most abundant at CG sites, identifying 9447 differentially methylated regions (DMRs) and 2329 differentially methylated genes (DMGs). KEGG pathway enrichment analysis of the DMGs revealed significant enrichment in major pathways such as the neurotrophin signaling pathway, the MAPK signaling pathway, the GnRH signaling pathway, the biosynthesis of amino acids, and the regulation of the actin cytoskeleton, which are closely related to lipid metabolism, energy metabolism, and amino acid metabolism. Among these, 412 differentially methylated genes were located in promoter regions, including genes related to energy metabolism such as ATP5F1C, ATP5MD, PDK3, ANGPTL1, and ANGPTL2, and genes related to ubiquitin-proteasome degradation such as FBXO28, FBXO43, KLHL40, and PSMD5. These findings suggest that methylation in promoter regions may play a significant role in regulating the adaptive hibernation mechanisms in the Chinese alligator. This study contributes to a further understanding of the epigenetic mechanisms behind the hibernation of the Chinese alligator.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jihui Zhang
- School of Food Science and Biology Engineering, Wuhu Institute of Technology, Wuhu 241000, China
- College of Life Sciences, Anhui Normal University, Wuhu 241000, China
| | - Xiaobing Wu
- College of Life Sciences, Anhui Normal University, Wuhu 241000, China
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2
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Voges JJ, Freeman MT, Wolf BO, McKechnie AE. Functional role of metabolic suppression in avian thermoregulation in the heat. J Therm Biol 2024; 123:103924. [PMID: 39089117 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtherbio.2024.103924] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2024] [Revised: 07/10/2024] [Accepted: 07/10/2024] [Indexed: 08/03/2024]
Abstract
Hypometabolism arising from active metabolic suppression occurs in several contexts among endotherms, particularly during heterothermic states such as torpor. However, observed Q10 ≈ 1 for avian resting metabolic rate within the thermoneutral zone, values far below the Q10 = 2-3 expected on the basis of Arrhenius effects, suggests hypometabolism also plays a role in birds' thermoregulation at environmental temperatures approaching or exceeding normothermic body temperature (Tb). We evaluated the occurrence of hypometabolism during heat exposure among birds by re-analysing literature data to quantify changes in Tb and resting metabolic rate (RMR) near the upper boundary of the thermoneutral zone, at air temperatures (Tair) between the inflection above which Tb increases above normothermic levels (Tb.inf) and the upper critical limit of thermoneutrality (Tuc). Among the ∼55 % of species in which Tuc - Tb.inf > 0, Q10 < 2-3 occurred in nine of 10 orders for which suitable data exist, indicating that hypometabolism during heat exposure is widespread across the avian phylogeny. Values of Q10 < 2-3 were not restricted to small body mass, as previously proposed. Our findings support the idea that metabolic suppression reduces avian metabolic heat production and hence evaporative cooling requirements during heat exposure, with reductions of 20-30 % in RMR in some species. Moreover, these findings add to evidence that hypometabolism is an important component of heat tolerance among endotherms such as birds and tropical arboreal mammals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jochen J Voges
- South African Research Chair in Conservation Physiology, South African National Biodiversity Institute, Pretoria, 0001, South Africa; DSI-NRF Centre of Excellence at the FitzPatrick Institute, Department of Zoology and Entomology, University of Pretoria, Hatfield, 0028, South Africa
| | - Marc T Freeman
- South African Research Chair in Conservation Physiology, South African National Biodiversity Institute, Pretoria, 0001, South Africa; DSI-NRF Centre of Excellence at the FitzPatrick Institute, Department of Zoology and Entomology, University of Pretoria, Hatfield, 0028, South Africa
| | - Blair O Wolf
- UNM Biology Department, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, 87131, USA
| | - Andrew E McKechnie
- South African Research Chair in Conservation Physiology, South African National Biodiversity Institute, Pretoria, 0001, South Africa; DSI-NRF Centre of Excellence at the FitzPatrick Institute, Department of Zoology and Entomology, University of Pretoria, Hatfield, 0028, South Africa.
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3
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Findlay-Robinson R, Hill DL. Hibernation nest site selection but not overwinter activity is associated with microclimatic conditions in a hibernating mammal. J Therm Biol 2024; 123:103909. [PMID: 39084175 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtherbio.2024.103909] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2023] [Revised: 06/30/2024] [Accepted: 07/02/2024] [Indexed: 08/02/2024]
Abstract
Fine-scale variation in microclimates between habitats may impact energy consumption for the organisms that inhabit them. This may be particularly important for sedentary species or those unable to change habitats for long periods, such as hibernators. Low ambient temperatures were traditionally thought key to microclimatic selection for hibernation locations, but recent research suggests that other factors may contribute or exceed ambient temperature in importance. We aimed to characterise microclimates at hibernacula of wild hibernating hazel dormice Muscardinus avellanarius, and test how these microclimates differ to those at locations without hibernacula using a microclimatic modelling approach. Dormice hibernated in areas with warmer soil temperatures and lower variability in humidity and relative shortwave radiation. These results add to the growing body of evidence that low ambient temperatures may not be the primary driver of hibernation microclimate selection, although temperature is still likely to play an important role. We also found that ambient temperatures measured at the microclimatic level were substantially buffered compared to point samples taken at the nearest weather station (∼1.6 km away), highlighting the importance of considering microclimates in wildlife conservation in the face of future environmental change.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel Findlay-Robinson
- Institute of Science and Environment, University of Cumbria, Ambleside, Cumbria, LA22 9BB, UK.
| | - Davina L Hill
- School of Biodiversity, One Health and Veterinary Medicine, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, G12 8QQ, UK; School of Animal, Plant and Environmental Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, Private Bag 3, Wits 2050, South Africa.
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4
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Nespolo RF, Quintero-Galvis JF, Fontúrbel FE, Cubillos FA, Vianna J, Moreno-Meynard P, Rezende EL, Bozinovic F. Climate change and population persistence in a hibernating marsupial. Proc Biol Sci 2024; 291:20240266. [PMID: 38920109 DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2024.0266] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2024] [Accepted: 05/14/2024] [Indexed: 06/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Climate change has physiological consequences on organisms, ecosystems and human societies, surpassing the pace of organismal adaptation. Hibernating mammals are particularly vulnerable as winter survival is determined by short-term physiological changes triggered by temperature. In these animals, winter temperatures cannot surpass a certain threshold, above which hibernators arouse from torpor, increasing several fold their energy needs when food is unavailable. Here, we parameterized a numerical model predicting energy consumption in heterothermic species and modelled winter survival at different climate change scenarios. As a model species, we used the arboreal marsupial monito del monte (genus Dromiciops), which is recognized as one of the few South American hibernators. We modelled four climate change scenarios (from optimistic to pessimistic) based on IPCC projections, predicting that northern and coastal populations (Dromiciops bozinovici) will decline because the minimum number of cold days needed to survive the winter will not be attained. These populations are also the most affected by habitat fragmentation and changes in land use. Conversely, Andean and other highland populations, in cooler environments, are predicted to persist and thrive. Given the widespread presence of hibernating mammals around the world, models based on simple physiological parameters, such as this one, are becoming essential for predicting species responses to warming in the short term.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberto F Nespolo
- Instituto de Ciencias Ambientales y Evolutivas, Universidad Austral de Chile , Valdivia, Chile
- Millenium Nucleus of Patagonian Limit of Life (LiLi) , Valdivia, Chile
- Center of Applied Ecology and Sustainability (CAPES) , Santiago, Chile
| | - Julian F Quintero-Galvis
- Instituto de Ciencias Ambientales y Evolutivas, Universidad Austral de Chile , Valdivia, Chile
- Millenium Nucleus of Patagonian Limit of Life (LiLi) , Valdivia, Chile
| | - Francisco E Fontúrbel
- Millenium Nucleus of Patagonian Limit of Life (LiLi) , Valdivia, Chile
- Instituto de Biología, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Valparaíso , Valparaíso, Chile
| | - Francisco A Cubillos
- Millenium Nucleus of Patagonian Limit of Life (LiLi) , Valdivia, Chile
- Departamento de Biología y Química, Universidad de Santiago de Chile , Santiago, Chile
- Millennium Institute for Integrative Biology (iBio) , Santiago, Chile
| | - Juliana Vianna
- Millenium Nucleus of Patagonian Limit of Life (LiLi) , Valdivia, Chile
- Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas , Santiago, Chile
- Departamento de Ecosistemas y Medio Ambiente, Millennium Institute Center for Genome Regulation (CRG), Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile , Santiago, Chile
| | - Paulo Moreno-Meynard
- Millenium Nucleus of Patagonian Limit of Life (LiLi) , Valdivia, Chile
- Centro de Investigación en Ecosistemas de la Patagonia CIEP , Coyhaique, Chile
| | - Enrico L Rezende
- Center of Applied Ecology and Sustainability (CAPES) , Santiago, Chile
- Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas , Santiago, Chile
| | - Francisco Bozinovic
- Millenium Nucleus of Patagonian Limit of Life (LiLi) , Valdivia, Chile
- Center of Applied Ecology and Sustainability (CAPES) , Santiago, Chile
- Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas , Santiago, Chile
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5
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Klüg-Baerwald BJ, Lausen CL, Burns SM, Brigham RM. Physiological and behavioural adaptations by big brown bats hibernating in dry rock crevices. J Comp Physiol B 2024; 194:203-212. [PMID: 38587619 DOI: 10.1007/s00360-024-01546-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2023] [Revised: 01/31/2024] [Accepted: 02/29/2024] [Indexed: 04/09/2024]
Abstract
Winter energy stores are finite and factors influencing patterns of activity are important for overwintering energetics and survival. Hibernation patterns (e.g., torpor bout duration and arousal frequency) often depend on microclimate, with more stable hibernacula associated with greater energy savings than less stable hibernacula. We monitored hibernation patterns of individual big brown bats (Eptesicus fuscus; Palisot de Beauvois, 1796) overwintering in rock-crevices that are smaller, drier, and less thermally stable than most known cave hibernacula. While such conditions would be predicted to increase arousal frequency in many hibernators, we did not find support for this. We found that bats were insensitive to changes in hibernacula microclimate (temperature and humidity) while torpid. We also found that the probability of arousal from torpor remained under circadian influence, likely because throughout the winter during arousals, bats commonly exit their hibernacula. We calculated that individuals spend most of their energy on maintaining a torpid body temperature a few degrees above the range of ambient temperatures during steady-state torpor, rather than during arousals as is typical of other small mammalian hibernators. Flight appears to be an important winter activity that may expedite the benefits of euthermic periods and allow for short, physiologically effective arousals. Overall, we found that big brown bats in rock crevices exhibit different hibernation patterns than conspecifics hibernating in buildings and caves.
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Affiliation(s)
- B J Klüg-Baerwald
- Department of Biology, University of Regina, 3737 Wascana Parkway, Regina, SK, S4S 0A2, Canada
| | - C L Lausen
- Wildlife Conservation Society Canada, PO Box 606, Kaslo, BC, V0G 1M0, Canada
| | - S M Burns
- Department of Biology, University of Regina, 3737 Wascana Parkway, Regina, SK, S4S 0A2, Canada
| | - R M Brigham
- Department of Biology, University of Regina, 3737 Wascana Parkway, Regina, SK, S4S 0A2, Canada.
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6
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Rinaldo A, de Eyto E, Reed T, Gjelland KØ, McGinnity P. Global warming is projected to lead to increased freshwater growth potential and changes in pace of life in Atlantic salmon Salmo salar. JOURNAL OF FISH BIOLOGY 2024; 104:647-661. [PMID: 37907447 DOI: 10.1111/jfb.15603] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2023] [Revised: 10/24/2023] [Accepted: 10/29/2023] [Indexed: 11/02/2023]
Abstract
Global warming has been implicated in widespread demographic changes in Atlantic salmon Salmo salar populations, but projections of life-history responses to future climate change are lacking. Here, we first exploit multiple decades of climate and biological data from the Burrishoole catchment in the west of Ireland to model statistical relationships between atmospheric variables, water temperature, and freshwater growth of juvenile Atlantic salmon. We then use this information to project potential changes in juvenile growth and life-history scheduling under three shared socioeconomic pathway and representative concentration pathway scenarios from 1961 to 2100, based on an ensemble of five climate models. Historical water temperatures were well predicted with a recurrent neural network, using observation-based atmospheric forcing data. Length-at-age was in turn also well predicted by cumulative growing degree days calculated from these water temperatures. Most juveniles in the Burrishoole population migrated to sea as 2-year-old smolts, but our future projections indicate that the system should start producing a greater proportion of 1-year-old smolts, as increasingly more juveniles cross a size-based threshold in their first summer for smoltification the following spring. Those failing to cross the size-based threshold will instead become 2-year-old smolts, but at a larger length relative to 2-year-old smolts observed currently, owing to greater overall freshwater growth opportunity. These changes in age- and size-at-seaward migration could have cascading effects on age- and size-at-maturity and reproductive output. Consequently, the seemingly small changes that our results demonstrate have the potential to cause significant shifts in population dynamics over the full life cycle. This workflow is highly applicable across the range of the Atlantic salmon, as well as to other anadromous species, as it uses openly accessible climate data and a length-at-age model with minimal input requirements, fostering improved general understanding of phenotypic and demographic responses to climate change and management implications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adrian Rinaldo
- School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
- Fisheries Ecosystems Advisory Services, Marine Institute, Newport, Ireland
- Environmental Research Institute, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| | - Elvira de Eyto
- Fisheries Ecosystems Advisory Services, Marine Institute, Newport, Ireland
| | - Thomas Reed
- School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
- Environmental Research Institute, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| | | | - Philip McGinnity
- School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
- Environmental Research Institute, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
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7
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López-Roig M, Piera E, Serra-Cobo J. Thinner bats to face hibernation as response to climate warming. Sci Rep 2024; 14:2117. [PMID: 38267504 PMCID: PMC10808443 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-52459-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2023] [Accepted: 01/18/2024] [Indexed: 01/26/2024] Open
Abstract
One of the principal consequences of climate warming on hibernating mammals could be the loss of optimal conditions for hibernation. Although hibernating mammals, like bats, may be particularly vulnerable to climate warming due to a potential reduction of energy saving during the hibernation, there is a lack of knowledge regarding how they will be affected and how they will respond to this impact. Here, we examine the variation in the body condition of Schreiber's bent-winged bat (Miniopterus schreibersii) to investigate changes in the optimization energy demand. Using a 20-year dataset (1998-2017), we analyse the temporal trends of body condition in three key stages of the hibernation period: onset and end of hibernation and early activity. Our results indicate that body condition at the onset and end of hibernation have decreased significantly over these 20 years. However, despite this lower body condition, the decrease of mass loss rate in the last decade (although not significant) indicate a greater saving of fat reserves. The significant increase in winter temperatures did not affect body condition or reserve depletion, instead, lower body condition was observed with a higher number of days below 0 °C. Unlike other hibernating bat species, the females had lower fat reserves than males in all three periods considered. This study indicates that hibernation energy requirements could be changing as an adaptation to a warmer climate and that hibernating bats can survive the winter by optimizing their lower accumulation of reserves.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marc López-Roig
- Departament de Biologia Evolutiva, Ecologia i Ciències Ambientals, Facultat de Biologia, Universitat de Barcelona, Av. Diagonal 643, 08028, Barcelona, Spain.
- Institut de Recerca de Biodiversitat (IRBio), Facultat de Biologia, Universitat de Barcelona, Av. Diagonal 643, 08028, Barcelona, Spain.
| | - Eduard Piera
- Infraestructures.Cat (Generalitat de Catalunya), C/dels Vergós, 36-42, 08017, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Jordi Serra-Cobo
- Departament de Biologia Evolutiva, Ecologia i Ciències Ambientals, Facultat de Biologia, Universitat de Barcelona, Av. Diagonal 643, 08028, Barcelona, Spain
- Institut de Recerca de Biodiversitat (IRBio), Facultat de Biologia, Universitat de Barcelona, Av. Diagonal 643, 08028, Barcelona, Spain
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8
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Boyles JG, Brack V, Marshall KE, Brack D. Shifts in population density centers of a hibernating mammal driven by conflicting effects of climate change and disease. GLOBAL CHANGE BIOLOGY 2024; 30:e17035. [PMID: 37987538 DOI: 10.1111/gcb.17035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2023] [Revised: 10/30/2023] [Accepted: 10/31/2023] [Indexed: 11/22/2023]
Abstract
Populations wax and wane over time in response to an organism's interactions with abiotic and biotic forces. Numerous studies demonstrate that fluctuations in local populations can lead to shifts in relative population densities across the geographic range of a species over time. Fewer studies attempt to disentangle the causes of such shifts. Over four decades (1983-2022), we monitored populations of hibernating Indiana bats (Myotis sodalis) in two areas separated by ~110 km. The number of bats hibernating in the northern area increased from 1983 to 2011, while populations in the southern area remained relatively constant. We used simulation models and long-term weather data to demonstrate the duration of time bats must rely on stored fat during hibernation has decreased in both areas over that period, but at a faster rate in the northern area. Likewise, increasing autumn and spring temperatures shortened the periods of sporadic prey (flying insect) availability at the beginning and end of hibernation. Climate change thus increased the viability of northern hibernacula for an increasing number of bats by decreasing energetic costs of hibernation. Then in 2011, white-nose syndrome (WNS), a disease of hibernating bats that increases energetic costs of hibernation, was detected in the area. From 2011 to 2022, the population rapidly decreased in the northern area and increased in the southern area, completely reversing the northerly shift in population densities associated with climate change. Energy balance during hibernation is the singular link explaining the northerly shift under a changing climate and the southerly shift in response to a novel disease. Continued population persistence suggests that bats may mitigate many impacts of WNS by hibernating farther south, where insects are available longer each year.
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Affiliation(s)
- Justin G Boyles
- School of Biological Sciences, Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, Illinois, USA
| | - Virgil Brack
- Environmental Solutions & Innovations, Inc., Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
| | - Katie E Marshall
- Department of Zoology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Darwin Brack
- Environmental Solutions & Innovations, Inc., Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
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9
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McKechnie AE, Freeman MT, Brigham RM. Avian Heterothermy: A Review of Patterns and Processes. Integr Comp Biol 2023; 63:1028-1038. [PMID: 37156524 DOI: 10.1093/icb/icad029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2023] [Revised: 05/02/2023] [Accepted: 05/05/2023] [Indexed: 05/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Many birds reduce rest-phase energy demands through heterothermy, physiological responses involving facultative, reversible reductions in metabolic rate and body temperature (Tb). Here, we review the phylogenetic distribution and ecological contexts of avian heterothermy. Heterothermy has been reported in 140 species representing 15 orders and 39 families. Recent work supports the view that deep heterothermy is most pronounced in phylogenetically older taxa whereas heterothermy in passerines and other recently diverged taxa is shallower and confined to minimum Tb > 20°C. The reasons why deep heterothermy is absent in passerines remain unclear; we speculate an evolutionary trade-off may exist between the capacity to achieve low heterothermic Tb and the tolerance of hyperthermic Tb. Inter- and intraspecific variation in heterothermy is correlated with factors including foraging ecology (e.g., territoriality and defense of food resources among hummingbirds), food availability and foraging opportunities (e.g., lunar phase predicts torpor use in caprimulgids), and predation risk. Heterothermy also plays a major role before and during migration. Emerging questions include the magnitude of energy savings associated with heterothermy among free-ranging birds, the role phylogenetic variation in the capacity for heterothermy has played in evolutionary radiations into extreme habitats, and how the capacity for heterothermy affects avian vulnerability to rapid anthropogenic climate change.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew E McKechnie
- South African Research Chair in Conservation Physiology, South African National Biodiversity Institute, Pretoria 0001, South Africa
- DSI-NRF Centre of Excellence at the FitzPatrick Institute, Department of Zoology and Entomology, University of Pretoria, Hatfield 0028, South Africa
| | - Marc T Freeman
- South African Research Chair in Conservation Physiology, South African National Biodiversity Institute, Pretoria 0001, South Africa
- DSI-NRF Centre of Excellence at the FitzPatrick Institute, Department of Zoology and Entomology, University of Pretoria, Hatfield 0028, South Africa
| | - R Mark Brigham
- Department of Biology, University of Regina, Regina, SK S4S 0A2, Canada
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10
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Sørås R, Fjelldal MA, Bech C, van der Kooij J, Eldegard K, Stawski C. High latitude northern bats (Eptesicus nilssonii) reveal adaptations to both high and low ambient temperatures. J Exp Biol 2023; 226:jeb245260. [PMID: 37815465 DOI: 10.1242/jeb.245260] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2022] [Accepted: 09/26/2023] [Indexed: 10/11/2023]
Abstract
Insectivorous bats at northern latitudes need to cope with long periods of no food for large parts of the year. Hence, bats which are resident at northern latitudes throughout the year will need to undergo a long hibernation season and a short reproductive season where foraging time is limited by extended daylight periods. Eptesicus nilssonii is the northernmost occurring bat species worldwide and hibernates locally when ambient temperatures (Ta) limit prey availability. Therefore, we investigated the energy spent maintaining normothermy at different Ta, as well as how much bats limit energy expenditure while in torpor. We found that, despite being exposed to Ta as low as 1.1°C, bats did not increase torpid metabolic rate, thus indicating that E. nilssonii can survive and hibernate at low ambient temperatures. Furthermore, we found a lower critical temperature (Tlc) of 27.8°C, which is lower than in most other vespertilionid bats, and we found no indication of any metabolic response to Ta up to 37.1°C. Interestingly, carbon dioxide production increased with increasing Ta above the Tlc, presumably caused by a release of retained CO2 in bats that remained in torpor for longer and aroused at Ta above the Tlc. Our results indicate that E. nilssonii can thermoconform at near-freezing Ta, and hence maintain longer torpor bouts with limited energy expenditure, yet also cope with high Ta when sun exposed in roosts during long summer days. These physiological traits are likely to enable the species to cope with ongoing and predicted climate change.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rune Sørås
- Department of Biology, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim NO-7491, Norway
| | - Mari Aas Fjelldal
- Department of Biology, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim NO-7491, Norway
| | - Claus Bech
- Department of Biology, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim NO-7491, Norway
| | - Jeroen van der Kooij
- Nature Education, Research and Consultancy van der Kooij, Rudsteinveien 67, Slattum NO-1480, Norway
| | - Katrine Eldegard
- Faculty of Environmental Sciences and Natural Resource Management, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, Box 5003, Ås NO-1433, Norway
| | - Clare Stawski
- Department of Biology, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim NO-7491, Norway
- School of Science, Technology and Engineering, University of the Sunshine Coast, Maroochydore DC, QLD 4558, Australia
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11
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Power ML, Ransome RD, Riquier S, Romaine L, Jones G, Teeling EC. Hibernation telomere dynamics in a shifting climate: insights from wild greater horseshoe bats. Proc Biol Sci 2023; 290:20231589. [PMID: 37817598 PMCID: PMC10565397 DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2023.1589] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2023] [Accepted: 09/10/2023] [Indexed: 10/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Hibernation is linked with various hypotheses to explain the extended lifespan of hibernating mammals compared with their non-hibernating counterparts. Studies on telomeres, markers of ageing and somatic maintenance, suggest telomere shortening slows during hibernation, and lengthening may reflect self-maintenance with favourable conditions. Bats in temperate zones adjust body temperatures during winter torpor to conserve energy and exploit mild conditions for foraging. Climate change may impact the hibernation cycle of bats, but more research is needed regarding the role of telomeres in understanding their response to a changing climate. Here, relative telomere length (rTL) was measured in the long-lived greater horseshoe bat Rhinolophus ferrumequinum (n = 223 individuals) over three winters, considering climatic conditions. Cross-sectional analyses revealed between-individual variation in rTL with a strong year effect, likely linked to varying weather conditions and foraging success. Additionally, within-individual increases of rTL occurred in 51% of consecutive measurements, with evidence of increasing telomerase expression during hibernation in this species. These findings highlight the beneficial effects of hibernation on telomeres and potential consequences of changing climatic conditions for long-lived temperate bats. Understanding the interplay between hibernation, telomeres, and climate can provide insights into the adaptive capacity and survival of bat populations facing environmental challenges.
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Affiliation(s)
- Megan L Power
- School of Biology and Environmental Science, Science Centre West, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, Republic of Ireland
| | - Roger D Ransome
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Bristol, Life Sciences Building, 24 Tyndall Avenue, Bristol BS8 1TQ, UK
| | - Sébastien Riquier
- School of Biology and Environmental Science, Science Centre West, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, Republic of Ireland
| | - Luke Romaine
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Bristol, Life Sciences Building, 24 Tyndall Avenue, Bristol BS8 1TQ, UK
| | - Gareth Jones
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Bristol, Life Sciences Building, 24 Tyndall Avenue, Bristol BS8 1TQ, UK
| | - Emma C Teeling
- School of Biology and Environmental Science, Science Centre West, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, Republic of Ireland
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Abarzúa T, Camus I, Ortiz F, Ñunque A, Cubillos FA, Sabat P, Nespolo RF. Modeling heterothermic fitness landscapes in a marsupial hibernator using changes in body composition. Oecologia 2023; 203:79-93. [PMID: 37798536 PMCID: PMC10615951 DOI: 10.1007/s00442-023-05452-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2023] [Accepted: 09/16/2023] [Indexed: 10/07/2023]
Abstract
Hibernation is an adaptive strategy that allows animals to enter a hypometabolic state, conserving energy and enhancing their fitness by surviving harsh environmental conditions. However, addressing the adaptive value of hibernation, at the individual level and in natural populations, has been challenging. Here, we applied a non-invasive technique, body composition analysis by quantitative magnetic resonance (qMR), to calculate energy savings by hibernation in a population of hibernating marsupials (Dromiciops gliroides). Using outdoor enclosures installed in a temperate rainforest, and measuring qMR periodically, we determined the amount of fat and lean mass consumed during a whole hibernation cycle. With this information, we estimated the daily energy expenditure of hibernation (DEEH) at the individual level and related to previous fat accumulation. Using model selection approaches and phenotypic selection analysis, we calculated linear (directional, β), quadratic (stabilizing or disruptive, γ) and correlational (ρ) coefficients for DEEH and fat accumulation. We found significant, negative directional selection for DEEH (βDEEH = - 0.58 ± 0.09), a positive value for fat accumulation (βFAT = 0.34 ± 0.07), and positive correlational selection between both traits (ρDEEH × FAT = 0.24 ± 0.07). Then, individuals maximizing previous fat accumulation and minimizing DEEH were promoted by selection, which is visualized by a bi-variate selection surface estimated by generalized additive models. At the comparative level, results fall within the isometric allometry known for hibernation metabolic rate in mammals. Thus, by a combination of a non-invasive technique for body composition analysis and semi-natural enclosures, we were characterized the heterothermic fitness landscape in a semi-natural population of hibernators.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tamara Abarzúa
- Instituto de Ciencias Ambientales y Evolutivas, Universidad Austral de Chile, Valdivia, Chile
| | - Isidora Camus
- Instituto de Ciencias Ambientales y Evolutivas, Universidad Austral de Chile, Valdivia, Chile
| | - Felipe Ortiz
- Instituto de Ciencias Ambientales y Evolutivas, Universidad Austral de Chile, Valdivia, Chile
| | - Abel Ñunque
- Instituto de Ciencias Ambientales y Evolutivas, Universidad Austral de Chile, Valdivia, Chile
- Millenium Nucleus of Patagonian Limit of Life (LiLi), Valdivia, Chile
| | - Francisco A Cubillos
- Departamento de Biología y Química, Universidad de Santiago de Chile, Santiago, Chile
- Millenium Nucleus of Patagonian Limit of Life (LiLi), Valdivia, Chile
- Millennium Institute for Integrative Biology (iBio), Santiago, Chile
| | - Pablo Sabat
- Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
- Center for Applied Ecology and Sustainability (CAPES), Departamento de Ecología Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Roberto F Nespolo
- Instituto de Ciencias Ambientales y Evolutivas, Universidad Austral de Chile, Valdivia, Chile.
- Millenium Nucleus of Patagonian Limit of Life (LiLi), Valdivia, Chile.
- Center for Applied Ecology and Sustainability (CAPES), Departamento de Ecología Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile.
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13
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Giroud S, Ragger MT, Baille A, Hoelzl F, Smith S, Nowack J, Ruf T. Food availability positively affects the survival and somatic maintenance of hibernating garden dormice (Eliomys quercinus). Front Zool 2023; 20:19. [PMID: 37226260 PMCID: PMC10207780 DOI: 10.1186/s12983-023-00498-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2023] [Accepted: 05/15/2023] [Indexed: 05/26/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Torpor is an energy saving strategy achieved by substantial reductions of metabolic rate and body temperature that enables animals to survive periods of low resource availability. During hibernation (multiday torpor), the frequency of periodic rewarming-characterised by high levels of oxidative stress-is associated with shortening of telomeres, a marker of somatic maintenance. OBJECTIVES In this study, we determined the impact of ambient temperature on feeding behaviour and telomere dynamics in hibernating garden dormice (Eliomys quercinus) over winter. This obligate hibernator prepares for hibernation by accumulating fat stores but can also feed during hibernation. METHODOLOGY Food intake, torpor pattern, changes in telomere length, and body mass change were assessed in animals housed at experimentally controlled temperatures of either 14 °C (i.e., a mild winter) or 3 °C (i.e., a cold winter) over 6 months. RESULTS When hibernating at 14 °C, dormice experienced 1.7-fold more frequent and 2.4-fold longer inter-bout euthermia, and spent significantly less time torpid, compared to animals hibernating at 3 °C. Higher food intake enabled individuals to compensate for increased energetic costs when hibernating at milder temperatures (14 °C vs. 3 °C), to buffer body mass loss and thus increase winter survival. Interestingly, we observed a significant increase of telomere length over the entire hibernation period, irrespective of temperature treatment. CONCLUSION We conclude that higher temperatures during winter, if associated with sufficient food availability, can have a positive effect on the individual's energy balance and somatic maintenance. These results suggest that winter food availability might be a crucial determinant for the survival of the garden dormouse in the context of ever-increasing environmental temperatures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sylvain Giroud
- Research Institute of Wildlife Ecology, Department of Interdisciplinary Life Sciences, University of Veterinary Medicine, Savoyenstraße 1, 1160, Vienna, Austria.
| | - Marie-Therese Ragger
- Research Institute of Wildlife Ecology, Department of Interdisciplinary Life Sciences, University of Veterinary Medicine, Savoyenstraße 1, 1160, Vienna, Austria
| | - Amélie Baille
- Research Institute of Wildlife Ecology, Department of Interdisciplinary Life Sciences, University of Veterinary Medicine, Savoyenstraße 1, 1160, Vienna, Austria
| | - Franz Hoelzl
- Konrad Lorenz Institute of Ethology, Department of Interdisciplinary Life Sciences, University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna, Austria
| | - Steve Smith
- Konrad Lorenz Institute of Ethology, Department of Interdisciplinary Life Sciences, University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna, Austria
| | - Julia Nowack
- Research Institute of Wildlife Ecology, Department of Interdisciplinary Life Sciences, University of Veterinary Medicine, Savoyenstraße 1, 1160, Vienna, Austria
- School of Biological and Environmental Sciences, Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool, UK
| | - Thomas Ruf
- Research Institute of Wildlife Ecology, Department of Interdisciplinary Life Sciences, University of Veterinary Medicine, Savoyenstraße 1, 1160, Vienna, Austria
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14
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Matthäus L, Kugelschafter K, Fietz J. Influence of ambient temperature on the phenology of the greater mouse-eared bat ( Myotis myotis). Ecol Evol 2023; 13:e10081. [PMID: 37214612 PMCID: PMC10196220 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.10081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2022] [Revised: 04/23/2023] [Accepted: 04/25/2023] [Indexed: 05/24/2023] Open
Abstract
In order to assess the consequences of climate change and evaluate its impacts on wildlife, it is essential to do so on a species-specific level. It is assumed that changes in the ambient temperature influence energy consumption as well as food availability and thus foraging behavior, reproduction, survival, and therefore population dynamics in bats. Based on this assumption, the present study aims to gain insights into the roosting and breeding behavior of the greater mouse-eared bat (Myotis myotis) in relation to changes of the ambient temperature. For this purpose, we investigated the effect of ambient temperature on the phenology of the greater mouse-eared bat by using activity data of the bats collected using light barriers at the maternity roosts. The light barrier used in this study is a system that detects the interruption of two light beams, for example, by a flying bat, and displays it as an electrical signal. The investigations have shown that the higher the winter temperatures, the earlier the greater mouse-eared bats returned to the roosts to form the maternity colony; however, this was only true for ambient temperatures below 0.5°C,birth season started earlier at higher spring temperatures,the dissolution of maternity roosts occurred earlier with earlier birth season and at higher ambient temperatures during lactation. The results revealed that ambient temperature has an influence on the phenology of the greater mouse-eared bat. Depending on the respective life history stage, an increase in ambient temperature can have a positive or negative effect on the fitness of the animals. In recent years, mild winters have been recorded more frequently, which can have an influence on the behavior of bats. Warm winters within certain limits seem to lead to an earlier formation of the maternity colony, which can be positive or negative for the bats depending on persistent weather conditions and thus insect availability. In the course of climate change, we can also expect earlier spring events and an increase in spring temperature, as well as hot spells in summer. These warm springs and summers seem to lead to an earlier beginning of births, a faster development of the juveniles and an earlier dissolution of the maternity roost. An advance of reproductive activities can be assumed to increase the chance to survive the following winter in both mothers and their young, as they have more time to build up sufficient energy reserves for hibernation before winter starts. Due to the climatic changes, phenological changes of the bats be expected. This study highlights that in order to understand the impact of climate change on biodiversity, it is necessary to investigate in detail effects on a species-specific level and also to consider direct and indirect effects of ambient temperature on different life history stages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Matthäus
- Institute of BiologyUniversity of HohenheimStuttgartGermany
| | | | - Joanna Fietz
- Institute of BiologyUniversity of HohenheimStuttgartGermany
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15
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Fraser EE, McGuire LP. Prehibernation swarming in temperate bats: a critical transition between summer activity and hibernation. CAN J ZOOL 2023. [DOI: 10.1139/cjz-2022-0129] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/04/2023]
Abstract
In this contribution to Dr. Brock Fenton's Festschrift, we briefly reflect on Dr. Fenton's seminal works examining bat swarming behaviour in Ontario and use these reflections as a launch pad to conduct a global review on autumn swarming in bats, and underlying hypotheses to explain this behaviour. Our review frames the swarming period as a time of critical transitions, during which bats must balance multiple life history trade-offs, and we consider how various intrinsic and extrinsic factors may contribute to inter- and intraspecific differences in autumn behaviour. We discuss the transition away from summer residency, including maternity colony breakup, day roosting, and migration during autumn. We review key life history elements of swarming, including mating behaviours and associated reproductive condition, genetic exchange during swarming, and variation among sexes, ages, and species. Finally, we discuss the behaviours and physiological states of bats transitioning from the swarming period to hibernation. Throughout, we identify common patterns and also exceptions. Over 50 years of research has yielded many insights into autumn swarming, but knowledge gaps remain. Future research focus on a greater diversity of species will reveal general principles underlying the transition from summer active season, through the swarming period, and into winter hibernation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erin E. Fraser
- School of Science and the Environment, Memorial University of Newfoundland (Grenfell Campus), 20 University Drive, Corner Brook, NL A2H 5G4, Canada
| | - Liam P. McGuire
- Department of Biology, University of Waterloo, 200 University Ave W, Waterloo, ON N2L 3G1, Canada
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16
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Festa F, Ancillotto L, Santini L, Pacifici M, Rocha R, Toshkova N, Amorim F, Benítez-López A, Domer A, Hamidović D, Kramer-Schadt S, Mathews F, Radchuk V, Rebelo H, Ruczynski I, Solem E, Tsoar A, Russo D, Razgour O. Bat responses to climate change: a systematic review. Biol Rev Camb Philos Soc 2023; 98:19-33. [PMID: 36054527 PMCID: PMC10087939 DOI: 10.1111/brv.12893] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2022] [Revised: 07/27/2022] [Accepted: 08/01/2022] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Understanding how species respond to climate change is key to informing vulnerability assessments and designing effective conservation strategies, yet research efforts on wildlife responses to climate change fail to deliver a representative overview due to inherent biases. Bats are a species-rich, globally distributed group of organisms that are thought to be particularly sensitive to the effects of climate change because of their high surface-to-volume ratios and low reproductive rates. We systematically reviewed the literature on bat responses to climate change to provide an overview of the current state of knowledge, identify research gaps and biases and highlight future research needs. We found that studies are geographically biased towards Europe, North America and Australia, and temperate and Mediterranean biomes, thus missing a substantial proportion of bat diversity and thermal responses. Less than half of the published studies provide concrete evidence for bat responses to climate change. For over a third of studied bat species, response evidence is only based on predictive species distribution models. Consequently, the most frequently reported responses involve range shifts (57% of species) and changes in patterns of species diversity (26%). Bats showed a variety of responses, including both positive (e.g. range expansion and population increase) and negative responses (range contraction and population decrease), although responses to extreme events were always negative or neutral. Spatial responses varied in their outcome and across families, with almost all taxonomic groups featuring both range expansions and contractions, while demographic responses were strongly biased towards negative outcomes, particularly among Pteropodidae and Molossidae. The commonly used correlative modelling approaches can be applied to many species, but do not provide mechanistic insight into behavioural, physiological, phenological or genetic responses. There was a paucity of experimental studies (26%), and only a small proportion of the 396 bat species covered in the examined studies were studied using long-term and/or experimental approaches (11%), even though they are more informative about the effects of climate change. We emphasise the need for more empirical studies to unravel the multifaceted nature of bats' responses to climate change and the need for standardised study designs that will enable synthesis and meta-analysis of the literature. Finally, we stress the importance of overcoming geographic and taxonomic disparities through strengthening research capacity in the Global South to provide a more comprehensive view of terrestrial biodiversity responses to climate change.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Festa
- Laboratory of Emerging Viral Zoonoses, Research and Innovation Department, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie, 35020, Legnaro, Italy
| | - Leonardo Ancillotto
- Wildlife Research Unit, Dipartimento di Agraria, Università degli Studi di Napoli Federico II, via Università, 100, 80055, Portici, Napoli, Italy
| | - Luca Santini
- Department of Biology and Biotechnologies "Charles Darwin", Sapienza University of Rome, Viale dell'Università, 32, Rome, 00185, Italy
| | - Michela Pacifici
- Department of Biology and Biotechnologies "Charles Darwin", Sapienza University of Rome, Viale dell'Università, 32, Rome, 00185, Italy
| | - Ricardo Rocha
- CIBIO, Centro de Investigação em Biodiversidade e Recursos Genéticos, InBIO Laboratório Associado, Universidade do Porto, 4485-661, Vairão, Portugal.,CIBIO, Centro de Investigação em Biodiversidade e Recursos Genéticos, InBIO Laboratório Associado, Instituto Superior de Agronomia, Universidade de Lisboa, 1349-017, Lisbon, Portugal.,BIOPOLIS Program in Genomics, Biodiversity and Land Planning, CIBIO, Campus de Vairão, 4485-661, Vairão, Portugal
| | - Nia Toshkova
- Institute of Biodiversity and Ecosystem Research, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, 1 Tsar Osvoboditel Blvd, 1000, Sofia, Bulgaria.,National Museum of Natural History at the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, 1 Tsar Osvoboditel Blvd, 1000, Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - Francisco Amorim
- CIBIO, Centro de Investigação em Biodiversidade e Recursos Genéticos, InBIO Laboratório Associado, Universidade do Porto, 4485-661, Vairão, Portugal.,CIBIO, Centro de Investigação em Biodiversidade e Recursos Genéticos, InBIO Laboratório Associado, Instituto Superior de Agronomia, Universidade de Lisboa, 1349-017, Lisbon, Portugal.,BIOPOLIS Program in Genomics, Biodiversity and Land Planning, CIBIO, Campus de Vairão, 4485-661, Vairão, Portugal
| | - Ana Benítez-López
- Integrative Ecology Group, Estación Biológica de Doñana, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Cartuja TA-10, Edificio I, C. Américo Vespucio, s/n, 41092, Sevilla, Spain.,Department of Zoology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Granada, Campus Universitario de Cartuja, Calle Prof. Vicente Callao, 3, 18011, Granada, Spain
| | - Adi Domer
- Department of Life Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, P.O. Box 653, Beer-Sheva, 8410501, Israel
| | - Daniela Hamidović
- Ministry of Economy and Sustainable Development, Institute for Environment and Nature, Radnička cesta 80, HR-10000, Zagreb, Croatia.,Croatian Biospelological Society, Rooseveltov trg 6, HR-10000, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Stephanie Kramer-Schadt
- Department of Ecological Dynamics, Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research, Alfred-Kowalke-Straße 17, 10315, Berlin, Germany.,Institute of Ecology, Technische Universität Berlin, Rothenburgstr. 12, 12165, Berlin, Germany
| | - Fiona Mathews
- University of Sussex, John Maynard Smith Building, Falmer, Brighton, BN1 9RH, UK
| | - Viktoriia Radchuk
- Department of Ecological Dynamics, Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research, Alfred-Kowalke-Straße 17, 10315, Berlin, Germany
| | - Hugo Rebelo
- CIBIO, Centro de Investigação em Biodiversidade e Recursos Genéticos, InBIO Laboratório Associado, Universidade do Porto, 4485-661, Vairão, Portugal.,CIBIO, Centro de Investigação em Biodiversidade e Recursos Genéticos, InBIO Laboratório Associado, Instituto Superior de Agronomia, Universidade de Lisboa, 1349-017, Lisbon, Portugal.,BIOPOLIS Program in Genomics, Biodiversity and Land Planning, CIBIO, Campus de Vairão, 4485-661, Vairão, Portugal
| | - Ireneusz Ruczynski
- Mammal Research Institute Polish Academy of Sciences, Stoczek 1, 17-230, Białowieża, Poland
| | - Estelle Solem
- Department of Ecological Dynamics, Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research, Alfred-Kowalke-Straße 17, 10315, Berlin, Germany
| | - Asaf Tsoar
- Israel Nature and Parks Authority, Southern District Omer Industrial Park, P.O. Box 302, Omer, Israel
| | - Danilo Russo
- Wildlife Research Unit, Dipartimento di Agraria, Università degli Studi di Napoli Federico II, via Università, 100, 80055, Portici, Napoli, Italy
| | - Orly Razgour
- Biosciences, University of Exeter, Streatham Campus, Hatherly Laboratories, Prince of Wales Road, Exeter, EX4 4PS, UK
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Gonnerman M, Shea SA, Sullivan K, Kamath P, Overturf K, Blomberg E. Dynamic winter weather moderates movement and resource selection of wild turkeys at high-latitude range limits. ECOLOGICAL APPLICATIONS : A PUBLICATION OF THE ECOLOGICAL SOCIETY OF AMERICA 2023; 33:e2734. [PMID: 36057107 DOI: 10.1002/eap.2734] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2022] [Revised: 06/22/2022] [Accepted: 07/14/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
For wide-ranging species in temperate environments, populations at high-latitude range limits are subject to more extreme conditions, colder temperatures, and greater snow accumulation compared with their core range. As climate change progresses, these bounding pressures may become more moderate on average, while extreme weather occurs more frequently. Individuals can mitigate temporarily extreme conditions by changing daily activity budgets and exhibiting plasticity in resource selection, both of which facilitate existence at and expansion of high-latitude range boundaries. However, relatively little work has explored how animals moderate movement and vary resource selection with changing weather, and a general framework for such investigations is lacking. We applied hidden Markov models and step selection functions to GPS data from wintering wild turkeys (Meleagris gallopavo) near their northern range limit to identify how weather influenced transition among discrete movement states, as well as state-specific resource selection. We found that turkeys were more likely to spend time in a stationary state as wind chill temperatures decreased and snow depth increased. Both stationary and roosting turkeys selected conifer forests and avoided land covers associated with foraging, such as agriculture and residential areas, while shifting their strength of selection for these features during poor weather. In contrast, mobile turkeys showed relatively weak resource selection, with less response in selection coefficients during poor weather. Our findings illustrate that behavioral plasticity in response to weather was context dependent, but movement behaviors most associated with poor weather were also those in which resource selection was most plastic. Given our results, the potential for wild turkey range expansion will partly be determined by the availability of habitat that allows them to withstand periodic inclement weather. Combining hidden Markov models with step selection functions is broadly applicable for evaluating plasticity in animal behavior and dynamic resource selection in response to changing weather. We studied turkeys at northern range limits, but this approach is applicable for any system expected to experience significant changes in the coming decade, and may be particularly relevant to populations existing at range peripheries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew Gonnerman
- Department of Wildlife Fisheries and Conservation Biology, University of Maine, Orono, Maine, USA
| | - Stephanie A Shea
- School of Food and Agriculture, University of Maine, Orono, Maine, USA
| | - Kelsey Sullivan
- Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife, Bangor, Maine, USA
| | - Pauline Kamath
- School of Food and Agriculture, University of Maine, Orono, Maine, USA
| | - Kaj Overturf
- Department of Wildlife Fisheries and Conservation Biology, University of Maine, Orono, Maine, USA
| | - Erik Blomberg
- Department of Wildlife Fisheries and Conservation Biology, University of Maine, Orono, Maine, USA
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18
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Pronounced differences in heart rate and metabolism distinguish daily torpor and short-term hibernation in two bat species. Sci Rep 2022; 12:21721. [PMID: 36522368 PMCID: PMC9755216 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-25590-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2022] [Accepted: 12/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Torpor, and its differential expression, is essential to the survival of many mammals and birds. Physiological characteristics of torpor appear to vary between those species that express strict daily heterothermy and those capable of multiday hibernation, but comparisons are complicated by the temperature-dependence of variables. Previous reviews have compared these different torpor strategies by measuring the depth and duration of torpor in multiple species. However, direct comparison of multiple physiological parameters under similar thermal conditions are lacking. Here, we quantified three physiological variables; body temperature, metabolic rate (MR) and heart rate (HR) of two small heterothermic bats (daily heterotherm Syconycteris australis, and hibernator Nyctophilus gouldi) under comparable thermal conditions and torpor bout durations. When normothermic and resting both MR and HR were similar for the two species. However, during torpor the minimum HR was more than fivefold higher, and minimum MR was 6.5-fold higher for the daily heterotherm than for the hibernator at the same subcutaneous Tb (16 ± 0.5 °C). The data show that the degree of heterothermy defined using Tb is not necessarily a precise proxy for physiological capacity during torpor in these bats and is unlikely to reveal accurate energy budgets. Our study provides evidence supporting a distinction between daily torpor in a daily heterotherm and short term torpor in a hibernator, at least within the Chiroptera with regard to these physiological variables. This exists even when individuals display the same degree of Tb reduction, which has clear implications for the modelling of their energy expenditure.
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19
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Smith LM, Gore JA, Doonan TJ, Campbell CJ. Tricolored bats at a southern range edge exhibit partial migration northward in autumn. MOVEMENT ECOLOGY 2022; 10:56. [PMID: 36461129 PMCID: PMC9717247 DOI: 10.1186/s40462-022-00358-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2022] [Accepted: 09/27/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Animal migration is a widespread global adaptation by which individuals move in response to environmental conditions to reach more favorable conditions. For bats in temperate climates, migration and hibernation are often associated with each other when these bats must migrate to reach suitable overwintering sites. However, differences in movement across the geographical range of a species and the degree to which hibernation drives migratory behavior of bats in subtropical climates, where conditions may remain warm with available prey year-round, remains incomplete. Understanding the migratory strategies of subtropical bats during winter is of increasing importance as they are threatened by stressors such as disease and environmental change. METHODS We evaluated migration patterns of tricolored bats (Perimyotis subflavus) in Florida, USA, through analysis of stable hydrogen isotope ratios of the fur. We inferred the summer geographic origins of the fur samples and estimated the minimum distance and likely direction traveled by hibernating individuals. We used linear models to examine whether hibernation region, colony size, and an individual's sex affected the distance traveled. RESULTS We sampled 111 bats hibernating at 40 sites and found that more than half (54.1%) of individuals were residents of the area in which they hibernated. We found that almost half of the sampled bats (43.2%) traveled from southern Florida to overwinter in North Florida. We also documented three individuals that traveled > 100 km from northerly origins, one of which had traveled an estimated minimum distance of 1382 km. We also found that tricolored bats moved farther to reach hibernacula in Northwest Florida and hibernacula with more populous colonies, with no difference in movement between sexes. CONCLUSIONS Our results indicate a pattern of northward autumnal movements of tricolored bats in the subtropical southeastern portion of their range. We suggest that bats are differentially constrained at the edge of their geographical range, resulting in movement contrary to what is expected. Even though we found that few (2.7%) bats moved into Florida from farther north, those migrants can potentially transfer the fungus that causes the deadly white-nose syndrome, which does not currently occur in the state. Our results support the characterization of tricolored bats as flexible partial migrators, with a rarely exercised capacity for long-distance movements.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa M Smith
- Fish and Wildlife Research Institute, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, 1105 SW Williston Road, Gainesville, FL, 32601, USA.
| | - Jeffery A Gore
- Fish and Wildlife Research Institute, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, 3911 Highway 2321, Panama City, FL, 32409, USA
| | - Terry J Doonan
- Division of Habitat and Species Conservation, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, 3377 East U.S. Highway 90, Lake City, FL, 32055, USA
| | - Caitlin J Campbell
- Department of Biology, University of Florida, 876 Newell Drive, Gainesville, FL, 32611, USA
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20
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Risk of infection of white-nose syndrome in North American vespertilionid bats in Mexico. ECOL INFORM 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoinf.2022.101869] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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21
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Nespolo RF, Peña I, Mejías C, Ñunque A, Altamirano T, Bozinovic FF. Communal nesting is the optimal strategy for heat conservation in a social marsupial: lessons from biophysical models. J Exp Biol 2022; 225:284634. [PMID: 36420835 PMCID: PMC9720746 DOI: 10.1242/jeb.244606] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2022] [Accepted: 11/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Endothermy, understood as the maintenance of continuous and high body temperatures owing to the combination of metabolic heat production and an insulative cover, is severely challenged in small endotherms inhabiting cold environments. As a response, social clustering combined with nest use (=communal nesting) is a common strategy for heat conservation. To quantify the actual amount of energy that is saved by this strategy, we studied the social marsupial Dromiciops gliroides (monito del monte), an endemic species of the cold forests of southern South America. It is hypothesized that sociability in this marsupial was driven by cold conditions, but evidence supporting this hypothesis is unclear. Here, we used taxidermic models ('mannequins') to experimentally test the energetic benefits of clustering combined with nest use. To do this, we fitted and compared cooling curves of solitary and grouped mannequins, within and outside of a nest, at the typical winter ambient temperatures of their habitat (5°C). We found that the strategy that minimized euthermic cost of maintenance was the combination of nest use and clustering, thus supporting communal nesting as a social adaptation to cope with the cold. Considering the basal metabolic rate of monitos, our estimates suggest that the savings represents almost half of energy consumption per day (in resting conditions). This study shows how simple biophysical models could help to evaluate bioenergetic hypotheses for social behavior in cold-adapted endotherms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberto F. Nespolo
- Instituto de Ciencias Ambientales y Evolutivas, Universidad Austral de Chile, Valdivia, Chile,Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Austral de Chile, Valdivia, Chile,Center of Applied Ecology and Sustainability (CAPES), Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile,Millennium Nucleus of Patagonian Limit of Life (LiLi), Valdivia, Chile,Author for correspondence ()
| | - Isabella Peña
- Instituto de Ciencias Ambientales y Evolutivas, Universidad Austral de Chile, Valdivia, Chile
| | - Carlos Mejías
- Instituto de Ciencias Ambientales y Evolutivas, Universidad Austral de Chile, Valdivia, Chile,Magister en Ecología Aplicada, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Austral de Chile, Valdivia, Chile
| | - Abel Ñunque
- Instituto de Ciencias Ambientales y Evolutivas, Universidad Austral de Chile, Valdivia, Chile,Millennium Nucleus of Patagonian Limit of Life (LiLi), Valdivia, Chile
| | - Tomás Altamirano
- ECOS (Ecology-Complexity-Society) Laboratory, Center for Local Development (CEDEL), Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Villarrica Campus, La Araucanía Region, Chile,National Audubon Society and Cape Horn International Center for Global Change Studies and Biocultural Conservation, Universidad de Magallanes, Punta Arenas, Chile,Millennium Nucleus Center for the Socioeconomic Impact of Environmental Policies (CESIEP), Chile
| | - Francisco F. Bozinovic
- Center of Applied Ecology and Sustainability (CAPES), Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile,Departamento de Ecología Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
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22
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Kotila M, Helle S, Lehto HJ, Rojas D, Vesterinen EJ, Lilley TM. Atmospheric humidity affects global variation of bat echolocation via indirect effects. Front Ecol Evol 2022. [DOI: 10.3389/fevo.2022.934876] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The peak frequency of bat echolocation is a species-specific functional trait linked to foraging ecology. It is tailored via evolution to suit conditions within the distribution range of each species, but the evolutionary drivers are not yet well-understood. Global patterns of humidity correlate with many aspects of bat ecology. We hypothesized that atmospheric absolute humidity could explain global peak frequency variation directly and indirectly via increasing species body size and bat species richness. These hypotheses were tested using Bayesian phylogenetic path analysis on 226 tropical and subtropical bat species. In line with our predictions, we found a positive total effect of humidity on peak frequency, which was dominated by the positive indirect effects via body size and bat species richness. We did not observe the negative direct effect of humidity on peak frequency, which was hypothesized based on atmospheric attenuation of sound. In line with our expectations, excluding the predominantly clutter foraging bat families from our dataset downplayed the importance of the richness-mediated route. To conclude, our findings suggest that indirect effects, owing to ecology and biogeography of bat taxa, play a major role in the global relationship between peak frequency and atmospheric humidity.
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23
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Gazzard A, Baker PJ. What makes a house a home? Nest box use by West European hedgehogs ( Erinaceus europaeus) is influenced by nest box placement, resource provisioning and site-based factors. PeerJ 2022; 10:e13662. [PMID: 35811826 PMCID: PMC9261924 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.13662] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2022] [Accepted: 06/10/2022] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Artificial refuges provided by householders and/or conservation practitioners potentially represent one mechanism for mitigating declines in the availability of natural nest sites used for resting, breeding and hibernating in urban areas. The effectiveness of such refuges for different species is, however, not always known. In this study, we conducted a questionnaire survey of UK householders to identify factors associated with the use of ground-level nest boxes for West European hedgehogs (Erinaceus europaeus), a species of conservation concern. Overall, the percentage of boxes used at least once varied with season and type of use: summer day nesting (35.5-81.3%), breeding (7.2-28.2%), winter day nesting (20.1-66.5%) and hibernation (21.7-58.6%). The length of time the box had been deployed, the availability of artificial food and front garden to back garden access significantly increased the likelihood that a nest box had been used for all four nesting types, whereas other factors related to placement within the garden (e.g., in a sheltered location, on hardstanding such as paving, distance from the house) and resource provisioning (bedding) affected only some nesting behaviours. The factors most strongly associated with nest box use were the provisioning of food and bedding. These data suggest, therefore, that householders can adopt simple practices to increase the likelihood of their nest box being used. However, one significant limitation evident within these data is that, for welfare reasons, householders do not routinely monitor whether their box has been used. Consequently, future studies need to adopt strategies which enable householders to monitor their boxes continuously. Ultimately, such studies should compare the survival rates and reproductive success of hedgehogs within artificial refuges versus more natural nest sites, and whether these are affected by, for example, the impact of nest box design and placement on predation risk and internal microclimate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abigail Gazzard
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Reading, Reading, Berkshire, United Kingdom
| | - Philip J. Baker
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Reading, Reading, Berkshire, United Kingdom
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24
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Ostwald MM, Fox TP, Hillery WS, Shaffer Z, Harrison JF, Fewell JH. Group-living carpenter bees conserve heat and body mass better than solitary individuals in winter. Anim Behav 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.anbehav.2022.04.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
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25
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Dickerson H, Tessier V, Davis E, Solis E, Armstrong T, Healy-La Price J. Body temperature patterns and energy balance hormones in free-living thirteen-lined ground squirrels (Ictidomys tridecemlineatus) from different latitudes. Physiol Biochem Zool 2022; 95:500-516. [DOI: 10.1086/721443] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
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26
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Tamian A, Viblanc VA, Dobson FS, Neuhaus P, Hammer TL, Nesterova AP, Raveh S, Skibiel AL, Broussard D, Manno TG, Rajamani N, Saraux C. Integrating microclimatic variation in phenological responses to climate change: A 28‐year study in a hibernating mammal. Ecosphere 2022. [DOI: 10.1002/ecs2.4059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Anouch Tamian
- Département Ecologie, Physiologie et Ethologie Institut Pluridisciplinaire Hubert Curien, CNRS Strasbourg France
| | - Vincent A. Viblanc
- Département Ecologie, Physiologie et Ethologie Institut Pluridisciplinaire Hubert Curien, CNRS Strasbourg France
| | - F. Stephen Dobson
- Département Ecologie, Physiologie et Ethologie Institut Pluridisciplinaire Hubert Curien, CNRS Strasbourg France
- Department of Biological Sciences Auburn University Auburn Alabama USA
| | - Peter Neuhaus
- Department of Biological Sciences University of Calgary Calgary Canada
| | - Tracey L. Hammer
- Département Ecologie, Physiologie et Ethologie Institut Pluridisciplinaire Hubert Curien, CNRS Strasbourg France
- Department of Biological Sciences University of Calgary Calgary Canada
| | | | - Shirley Raveh
- Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health and Comparative Medicine University of Glasgow Glasgow UK
| | - Amy L. Skibiel
- Department of Animal, Veterinary and Food Sciences University of Idaho Moscow Idaho USA
| | - David Broussard
- Department of Biology Lycoming College Williamsport Pennsylvania USA
| | - Theodore G. Manno
- Science Department Catalina Foothills High School Tucson Arizona USA
| | - Nandini Rajamani
- Indian Institute of Science Education and Research Tirupati Andhra Pradesh India
| | - Claire Saraux
- Département Ecologie, Physiologie et Ethologie Institut Pluridisciplinaire Hubert Curien, CNRS Strasbourg France
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27
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Auteri GG. A conceptual framework to integrate cold-survival strategies: torpor, resistance and seasonal migration. Biol Lett 2022; 18:20220050. [PMID: 35506240 PMCID: PMC9065958 DOI: 10.1098/rsbl.2022.0050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Freezing temperatures are inherently challenging for life, which is water based. How species cope with these conditions fundamentally shapes ecological and evolutionary processes. Despite this, there is no comprehensive conceptual framework for cold-survival strategies-seasonal migration, cold resistance and torpor. Here, I propose a framework with four components for conceptualizing and quantifying cold-survival strategies. Cold-survival strategies are (i) collectively encompassed by the proposed framework, and that this full breadth of strategies should be considered in focal species or systems (comprehensive consideration). These strategies also (ii) exist on a spectrum, such that species can exhibit partial use of strategies, (iii) are non-exclusive, such that some species use multiple strategies concurrently (combined use) and (iv) should collectively vary inversely and proportionally with one another when controlling for the external environment (e.g. when considering species that occur in sympatry in their summer range), such that use of one strategy reduces, collectively, the use of others (proportional use). This framework is relevant to understanding fundamental patterns and processes in evolution, ecology, physiology and conservation biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giorgia G Auteri
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
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28
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Crawford RD, Dodd LE, Tillman FE, O’Keefe JM. Evaluating bat boxes: design and placement alter bioenergetic costs and overheating risk. CONSERVATION PHYSIOLOGY 2022; 10:coac027. [PMID: 35492416 PMCID: PMC9041549 DOI: 10.1093/conphys/coac027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2021] [Revised: 02/18/2022] [Accepted: 03/29/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Bat box microclimates vary spatially and temporally in temperature suitability. This heterogeneity subjects roosting bats to a variety of thermoregulatory challenges (e.g. heat and cold stress). Understanding how different bat box designs, landscape placements, weather and bat use affect temperature suitability and energy expenditure is critical to promote safe and beneficial artificial roosting habitat for species of conservation concern. From April to September 2019, we systematically deployed 480 temperature dataloggers among 40 rocket box style bat boxes of 5 designs and regularly monitored bat abundance. We used bioenergetic models to assess energy costs for endothermic and heterothermic bats and modelled the overheating risk for each box as a function of design, placement, bat abundance and weather. For endothermic bats, predicted daily energy expenditure was lower for solar-exposed placements, large group sizes and a box design with enhanced thermal mass. For heterothermic bats, shaded landscape placements were the most energetically beneficial and bat box design was not important, because all designs generally offered microclimates suitable for torpor use at some position within the box. Overheating risk was highest for solar-exposed landscape placements and for designs lacking modifications to buffer temperature, and with increasing bat abundance, increasing ambient temperature and slower wind speeds. The external water jacket design, with the greatest thermal mass, concomitantly decreased overheating risk and endothermic energy expenditure. By assessing bat box suitability from two physiological perspectives, we provide a robust method to assess the conservation value of bat box design and placement strategies. We recommend future studies examine how changing thermal mass and conductance can be used to diminish overheating risk while also enhancing the effects of social thermoregulation for bat box users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Reed D Crawford
- Corresponding author: Program in Ecology, Evolution, and Conservation Biology, W-503 Turner Hall, 1102 S. Goodwin Ave, Urbana, IL 61801, USA. Tel: 812-242-0117.
| | - Luke E Dodd
- Department of Biological Sciences, Eastern Kentucky University, Kentucky 40475, USA
| | - Francis E Tillman
- Center for Bat Research, Outreach, and Conservation, Indiana State University, Indiana 47809, USA
- Department of Biological Sciences, The University of Memphis, Tennessee 38152, USA
| | - Joy M O’Keefe
- Program in Ecology, Evolution, and Conservation Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Illinois 61801, USA
- Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Sciences, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Illinois 61801, USA
- Center for Bat Research, Outreach, and Conservation, Indiana State University, Indiana 47809, USA
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29
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McGuire LP, Fuller NW, Haase CG, Silas KA, Olson SH. Lean Mass Dynamics in Hibernating Bats and Implications for Energy and Water Budgets. Physiol Biochem Zool 2022; 95:317-325. [DOI: 10.1086/720160] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
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30
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Carrier B, Hamel S, Garel M, Côté SD. Coping with seasonality: dynamics of adult body mass and survival in an alpine hibernator. OIKOS 2022. [DOI: 10.1111/oik.09043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Béatrice Carrier
- Dépt de Biologie and Centre d'Études Nordiques, Univ. Laval Québec QC Canada
| | | | - Mathieu Garel
- Office Français de la Biodiversité, Unité Ongulés Sauvages Gières France
| | - Steeve D. Côté
- Dépt de Biologie and Centre d'Études Nordiques, Univ. Laval Québec QC Canada
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31
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Alston JM, Dillon ME, Keinath DA, Abernethy IM, Goheen JR. Daily torpor reduces the energetic consequences of microhabitat selection for a widespread bat. Ecology 2022; 103:e3677. [PMID: 35262926 PMCID: PMC9286574 DOI: 10.1002/ecy.3677] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2021] [Accepted: 12/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Homeothermy requires increased metabolic rates as temperatures decline below the thermoneutral zone, so homeotherms typically select microhabitats within or near their thermoneutral zones during periods of inactivity. However, many mammals and birds are heterotherms that relax internal controls on body temperature and go into torpor when maintaining a high, stable body temperature, which is energetically costly. Such heterotherms should be less tied to microhabitats near their thermoneutral zones and, because heterotherms spend more time in torpor and expend less energy at colder temperatures, heterotherms may even select microhabitats in which temperatures are well below their thermoneutral zones. We studied how temperature and daily torpor influence the selection of microhabitats (i.e., diurnal roosts) by a heterothermic bat (Myotis thysanodes). We (1) quantified the relationship between ambient temperature and daily duration of torpor, (2) simulated daily energy expenditure over a range of microhabitat temperatures, and (3) quantified the influence of microhabitat temperature on microhabitat selection. In addition, warm microhabitats substantially reduced the energy expenditure of simulated homeothermic bats, and heterothermic bats modulated their use of daily torpor to maintain a constant level of energy expenditure across microhabitats of different temperatures. Daily torpor expanded the range of energetically economical microhabitats, such that microhabitat selection was independent of microhabitat temperature. Our work adds to a growing literature documenting the functions of torpor beyond its historical conceptualization as a last‐resort measure to save energy during periods of extended or acute energetic stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jesse M Alston
- Program in Ecology, Department of Zoology and Physiology, University of Wyoming, Laramie, Wyoming, USA.,Wyoming Natural Diversity Database, University of Wyoming, Laramie, Wyoming, USA.,Center for Advanced Systems Understanding (CASUS), Görlitz, DEU, Germany
| | - Michael E Dillon
- Program in Ecology, Department of Zoology and Physiology, University of Wyoming, Laramie, Wyoming, USA
| | - Douglas A Keinath
- Wyoming Ecological Services Field Office, United States Fish and Wildlife Service, Cheyenne, Wyoming, USA
| | - Ian M Abernethy
- Wyoming Natural Diversity Database, University of Wyoming, Laramie, Wyoming, USA
| | - Jacob R Goheen
- Program in Ecology, Department of Zoology and Physiology, University of Wyoming, Laramie, Wyoming, USA
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32
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Fasel NJ, Vullioud C, Genoud M. Assigning metabolic rate measurements to torpor and euthermy in heterothermic endotherms: "torpor", a new package for R. Biol Open 2022; 11:274272. [PMID: 35128558 PMCID: PMC9002798 DOI: 10.1242/bio.059064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2021] [Accepted: 01/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Torpor is a state of controlled reduction of metabolic rate (M) in endotherms. Assigning measurements of M to torpor or euthermy can be challenging, especially when the difference between euthermic M and torpid M is small, in species defending a high minimal body temperature in torpor, in thermolabile species, and slightly below the thermoneutral zone (TNZ). Here, we propose a novel method for distinguishing torpor from euthermy. We use the variation in M measured during euthermic rest and torpor at varying ambient temperatures (Ta) to objectively estimate the lower critical temperature (Tlc) of the TNZ and to assign measurements to torpor, euthermic rest or rest within TNZ. In addition, this method allows the prediction of M during euthermic rest and torpor at varying Ta, including resting M within the TNZ. The present method has shown highly satisfactory results using 28 published sets of metabolic data obtained by respirometry on 26 species of mammals. Ultimately, this novel method aims to facilitate analysis of respirometry data in heterothermic endotherms. Finally, the development of the associated R-package (torpor) will enable widespread use of the method amongst biologists. Summary: The presented method and its associated R-package (torpor) enable the assignment of metabolic rate measurements to torpor or euthermy, ultimately improving the standardization of respirometry analyses in heterotherms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicolas J Fasel
- Department of Ecology and Evolution, University of Lausanne, CH-1015 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Colin Vullioud
- Department Evolutionary Genetics, Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research, D-10315 Berlin, Germany
| | - Michel Genoud
- Department of Ecology and Evolution, University of Lausanne, CH-1015 Lausanne, Switzerland
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33
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Fontúrbel FE, Franco LM, Bozinovic F, Quintero‐Galvis JF, Mejías C, Amico GC, Vazquez MS, Sabat P, Sánchez‐Hernández JC, Watson DM, Saenz‐Agudelo P, Nespolo RF. The ecology and evolution of the monito del monte, a relict species from the southern South America temperate forests. Ecol Evol 2022; 12:e8645. [PMID: 35261741 PMCID: PMC8888251 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.8645] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2021] [Revised: 01/12/2022] [Accepted: 01/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The arboreal marsupial monito del monte (genus Dromiciops, with two recognized species) is a paradigmatic mammal. It is the sole living representative of the order Microbiotheria, the ancestor lineage of Australian marsupials. Also, this marsupial is the unique frugivorous mammal in the temperate rainforest, being the main seed disperser of several endemic plants of this ecosystem, thus acting as keystone species. Dromiciops is also one of the few hibernating mammals in South America, spending half of the year in a physiological dormancy where metabolism is reduced to 10% of normal levels. This capacity to reduce energy expenditure in winter contrasts with the enormous energy turnover rate they experience in spring and summer. The unique life history strategies of this living Microbiotheria, characterized by an alternation of life in the slow and fast lanes, putatively represent ancestral traits that permitted these cold-adapted mammals to survive in this environment. Here, we describe the ecological role of this emblematic marsupial, summarizing the ecophysiology of hibernation and sociality, updated phylogeographic relationships, reproductive cycle, trophic relationships, mutualisms, conservation, and threats. This marsupial shows high densities, despite presenting slow reproductive rates, a paradox explained by the unique characteristics of its three-dimensional habitat. We finally suggest immediate actions to protect these species that may be threatened in the near future due to habitat destruction and climate change.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francisco E. Fontúrbel
- Instituto de BiologíaPontificia Universidad Católica de ValparaísoValparaísoChile
- Millennium Nucleus of Patagonian Limit of Life (LiLi)SantiagoChile
| | - Lida M. Franco
- Facultad de Ciencias Naturales y MatemáticasUniversidad de IbaguéIbaguéColombia
| | - Francisco Bozinovic
- Departamento de EcologíaFacultad de Ciencias BiológicasCenter of Applied Ecology and Sustainability (CAPES)Pontificia Universidad Católica de ChileSantiagoChile
| | | | - Carlos Mejías
- Instituto de Ciencias Ambientales y EvolutivasUniversidad Austral de ChileValdiviaChile
| | | | | | - Pablo Sabat
- Departamento de Ciencias EcológicasFacultad de CienciasUniversidad de ChileSantiagoChile
| | | | - David M. Watson
- School of Agricultural, Environmental and Veterinary SciencesCharles Sturt UniversityAlburyNSWAustralia
| | - Pablo Saenz‐Agudelo
- Instituto de Ciencias Ambientales y EvolutivasUniversidad Austral de ChileValdiviaChile
| | - Roberto F. Nespolo
- Millennium Nucleus of Patagonian Limit of Life (LiLi)SantiagoChile
- Departamento de EcologíaFacultad de Ciencias BiológicasCenter of Applied Ecology and Sustainability (CAPES)Pontificia Universidad Católica de ChileSantiagoChile
- Instituto de Ciencias Ambientales y EvolutivasUniversidad Austral de ChileValdiviaChile
- Millennium Institute for Integrative Biology (iBio)SantiagoChile
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34
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Neubaum DJ, Aagaard K. Use of predictive distribution models to describe habitat selection by bats in Colorado, USA. J Wildl Manage 2022. [DOI: 10.1002/jwmg.22178] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Daniel J. Neubaum
- Colorado Parks and Wildlife Terrestrial Section 711 Independent Avenue Grand Junction CO 81505 USA
| | - Kevin Aagaard
- Colorado Parks and Wildlife Avian Research Section 317 West Prospect Road Fort Collins CO 80526 USA
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35
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Spatio-temporal behaviour of female wild boar in an agro-forestry–pastoral landscape of Southern Italy. MAMMAL RES 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s13364-022-00617-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
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36
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Nespolo RF, Fontúrbel FE, Mejias C, Contreras R, Gutierrez P, Oda E, Sabat P, Hambly C, Speakman JR, Bozinovic F. A Mesocosm Experiment in Ecological Physiology: The Modulation of Energy Budget in a Hibernating Marsupial under Chronic Caloric Restriction. Physiol Biochem Zool 2021; 95:66-81. [PMID: 34875208 DOI: 10.1086/717760] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
AbstractDuring the past 60 years, mammalian hibernation (i.e., seasonal torpor) has been interpreted as a physiological adaptation for energy economy. However, direct field comparisons of energy expenditure and torpor use in hibernating and active free-ranging animals are scarce. Here, we followed the complete hibernation cycle of a fat-storing hibernator, the marsupial Dromiciops gliroides, in its natural habitat. Using replicated mesocosms, we experimentally manipulated energy availability and measured torpor use, hibernacula use, and social clustering throughout the entire hibernation season. Also, we measured energy flow using daily food intake, daily energy expenditure (DEE), and basal metabolic rate (BMR) in winter. We hypothesized that when facing chronic caloric restriction (CCR), a hibernator should maximize torpor frequency to compensate for the energetic deficit, compared with individuals fed ad lib. (controls). However, being torpid at low temperatures could increase other burdens (e.g., cost of rewarming, freezing risks). Our results revealed that CCR animals, compared with control animals, did not promote heat conservation strategies (i.e., clustering and hibernacula use). Instead, they gradually increased torpor frequency and reduced DEE and, as a consequence, recovered weight at the end of the season. Also, CCR animals consumed food at a rate of 50.8 kJ d-1, whereas control animals consumed food at a rate of 98.4 kJ d-1. Similarly, the DEE of CCR animals in winter was 47.3±5.64 kJ d-1, which was significantly lower than control animals (DEE=88.0±5.84 kJ d-1). However, BMR and lean mass of CCR and control animals did not vary significantly, suggesting that animals maintained full metabolic capacities. This study shows that the use of torpor can be modulated depending on energy supply, thus optimizing energy budgeting. This plasticity in the use of heterothermy as an energy-saving strategy would explain the occurrence of this marsupial in a broad latitudinal and altitudinal range. Overall, this study suggests that hibernation is a powerful strategy to modulate energy expenditure in mammals from temperate regions.
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37
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Roberts KT, Rank NE, Dahlhoff EP, Stillman JH, Williams CM. Snow modulates winter energy use and cold exposure across an elevation gradient in a montane ectotherm. GLOBAL CHANGE BIOLOGY 2021; 27:6103-6116. [PMID: 34601792 DOI: 10.1111/gcb.15912] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2021] [Revised: 09/10/2021] [Accepted: 09/16/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Snow insulates the soil from air temperature, decreasing winter cold stress and altering energy use for organisms that overwinter in the soil. As climate change alters snowpack and air temperatures, it is critical to account for the role of snow in modulating vulnerability to winter climate change. Along elevational gradients in snowy mountains, snow cover increases but air temperature decreases, and it is unknown how these opposing gradients impact performance and fitness of organisms overwintering in the soil. We developed experimentally validated ecophysiological models of cold and energy stress over the past decade for the montane leaf beetle Chrysomela aeneicollis, along five replicated elevational transects in the Sierra Nevada mountains in California. Cold stress peaks at mid-elevations, while high elevations are buffered by persistent snow cover, even in dry years. While protective against cold, snow increases energy stress for overwintering beetles, particularly at low elevations, potentially leading to mortality or energetic tradeoffs. Declining snowpack will predominantly impact mid-elevation populations by increasing cold exposure, while high elevation habitats may provide refugia as drier winters become more common.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin T Roberts
- Department of Integrative Biology, University of California, Berkeley, California, USA
| | - Nathan E Rank
- Department of Biology, Sonoma State University, Rohnert Park, California, USA
| | | | - Jonathon H Stillman
- Department of Integrative Biology, University of California, Berkeley, California, USA
- Department of Biology, San Francisco State University, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Caroline M Williams
- Department of Integrative Biology, University of California, Berkeley, California, USA
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A fat chance of survival: Body condition provides life-history dependent buffering of environmental change in a wild mammal population. CLIMATE CHANGE ECOLOGY 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ecochg.2021.100022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
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Overwinter behavior, movement, and survival in a recently reintroduced, endangered amphibian, Rana muscosa. J Nat Conserv 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jnc.2021.126086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
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40
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McGuire LP, Fuller NW, Dzal YA, Haase CG, Klüg-Baerwald BJ, Silas KA, Plowright RK, Lausen CL, Willis CKR, Olson SH. Interspecific variation in evaporative water loss and temperature response, but not metabolic rate, among hibernating bats. Sci Rep 2021; 11:20759. [PMID: 34675252 PMCID: PMC8531132 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-00266-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2021] [Accepted: 10/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Hibernation is widespread among mammals in a variety of environmental contexts. However, few experimental studies consider interspecific comparisons, which may provide insight into general patterns of hibernation strategies. We studied 13 species of free-living bats, including populations spread over thousands of kilometers and diverse habitats. We measured torpid metabolic rate (TMR) and evaporative water loss (two key parameters for understanding hibernation energetics) across a range of temperatures. There was no difference in minimum TMR among species (i.e., all species achieved similarly low torpid metabolic rate) but the temperature associated with minimum TMR varied among species. The minimum defended temperature (temperature below which TMR increased) varied from 8 °C to < 2 °C among species. Conversely, evaporative water loss varied among species, with species clustered in two groups representing high and low evaporative water loss. Notably, species that have suffered population declines due to white-nose syndrome fall in the high evaporative water loss group and less affected species in the low evaporative water loss group. Documenting general patterns of physiological diversity, and associated ecological implications, contributes to broader understanding of biodiversity, and may help predict which species are at greater risk of environmental and anthropogenic stressors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liam P McGuire
- Department of Biology, University of Waterloo, 200 University Ave W, Waterloo, ON, N2L 3G1, Canada.
- Department of Biological Sciences, Texas Tech University, 2901 Main St, Lubbock, TX, 79409, USA.
| | - Nathan W Fuller
- Department of Biological Sciences, Texas Tech University, 2901 Main St, Lubbock, TX, 79409, USA
- Nongame and Rare Species Program, Texas Parks and Wildlife, Austin, TX, 78744, USA
| | - Yvonne A Dzal
- Department of Biology, University of Winnipeg, 515 Portage Ave, Winnipeg, MB, R3B 2E9, Canada
| | - Catherine G Haase
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Montana State University, PO Box 173520, Bozeman, MT, 59717, USA
- Department of Biology, Austin Peay State University, PO Box 4718, Clarkesville, TN, 37044, USA
| | - Brandon J Klüg-Baerwald
- Department of Biology, University of Regina, 3737 Wascana Parkway, Regina, SK, S4S 0A2, Canada
| | - Kirk A Silas
- Wildlife Conservation Society, Health Program, 2300 Southern Blvd, Bronx, NY, 10460, USA
| | - Raina K Plowright
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Montana State University, PO Box 173520, Bozeman, MT, 59717, USA
| | - Cori L Lausen
- Wildlife Conservation Society Canada, Bat Program, PO Box 606, Kaslo, BC, V0G 1M0, Canada
| | - Craig K R Willis
- Department of Biology, University of Winnipeg, 515 Portage Ave, Winnipeg, MB, R3B 2E9, Canada
| | - Sarah H Olson
- Wildlife Conservation Society, Health Program, 2300 Southern Blvd, Bronx, NY, 10460, USA
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41
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Bat activity patterns relative to temporal and weather effects in a temperate coastal environment. Glob Ecol Conserv 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.gecco.2021.e01769] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
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42
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Ma Y, Wang M, Wei F, Nie Y. Geographic distributions shape the functional traits in a large mammalian family. Ecol Evol 2021; 11:13175-13185. [PMID: 34646461 PMCID: PMC8495830 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.8039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2021] [Revised: 08/03/2021] [Accepted: 08/04/2021] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Traits of organisms are shaped by their living environments and also determined in part by their phylogenetic relationships. For example, phylogenetic relationships often affect the geographic distributions of animals and cause variation in their living environments, which usually play key roles in the life history and determine the functional traits of species. As an ancient family of mammals, bears widely distribute and have evolved some specific strategies for survival and reproduction during their long-term evolutionary histories. Many studies on the ecology of bears have been conducted in recent decades, but few have focused on the relationships between their geographic distributions and ecological adaptations. Here, using bears as a model system, we collected and reanalyzed data from the available literatures to explore how geographic distributions and phylogenetic relationships shape the functional traits of animals. We found a positive relationship between phylogenetic relatedness and geographic distributions, with bears distributed in adjacent areas applying more similar strategies to survive and reproduce: (a) Bears living at high latitudes consumed a higher proportion of vertebrates, which may provide more fat for adaptation to low temperatures, and (b) their reproduction rhythms follow fluctuations in seasonal forage availability and quality, in which bears reach mating status from March to May and give birth in approximately November or later.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yingjie Ma
- Key Laboratory of Animal Ecology and Conservation BiologyInstitute of ZoologyChinese Academy of SciencesBeijingChina
- University of Chinese Academy of SciencesBeijingChina
| | - Meng Wang
- Key Laboratory of Animal Ecology and Conservation BiologyInstitute of ZoologyChinese Academy of SciencesBeijingChina
- University of Chinese Academy of SciencesBeijingChina
| | - Fuwen Wei
- Key Laboratory of Animal Ecology and Conservation BiologyInstitute of ZoologyChinese Academy of SciencesBeijingChina
- University of Chinese Academy of SciencesBeijingChina
- Center for Excellence in Animal Evolution and GeneticsChinese Academy of SciencesKunmingChina
| | - Yonggang Nie
- Key Laboratory of Animal Ecology and Conservation BiologyInstitute of ZoologyChinese Academy of SciencesBeijingChina
- University of Chinese Academy of SciencesBeijingChina
- Center for Excellence in Animal Evolution and GeneticsChinese Academy of SciencesKunmingChina
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Hranac CR, Haase CG, Fuller NW, McClure ML, Marshall JC, Lausen CL, McGuire LP, Olson SH, Hayman DTS. What is winter? Modeling spatial variation in bat host traits and hibernation and their implications for overwintering energetics. Ecol Evol 2021; 11:11604-11614. [PMID: 34522327 PMCID: PMC8427580 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.7641] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2021] [Revised: 03/31/2021] [Accepted: 04/09/2021] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
White-nose syndrome (WNS) has decimated hibernating bat populations across eastern and central North America for over a decade. Disease severity is driven by the interaction between bat characteristics, the cold-loving fungal agent, and the hibernation environment. While we further improve hibernation energetics models, we have yet to examine how spatial heterogeneity in host traits is linked to survival in this disease system. Here, we develop predictive spatial models of body mass for the little brown myotis (Myotis lucifugus) and reassess previous definitions of the duration of hibernation of this species. Using data from published literature, public databases, local experts, and our own fieldwork, we fit a series of generalized linear models with hypothesized abiotic drivers to create distribution-wide predictions of prehibernation body fat and hibernation duration. Our results provide improved estimations of hibernation duration and identify a scaling relationship between body mass and body fat; this relationship allows for the first continuous estimates of prehibernation body mass and fat across the species' distribution. We used these results to inform a hibernation energetic model to create spatially varying fat use estimates for M. lucifugus. These results predict WNS mortality of M. lucifugus populations in western North America may be comparable to the substantial die-off observed in eastern and central populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- C. Reed Hranac
- Molecular Epidemiology and Public Health LaboratoryHopkirk Research InstituteMassey UniversityPalmerston NorthNew Zealand
| | - Catherine G. Haase
- Department of Microbiology and ImmunologyMontana State UniversityBozemanMTUSA
- Present address:
Department of BiologyAustin Peay State UniversityClarksvilleTNUSA
| | - Nathan W. Fuller
- Department of Biological SciencesTexas Tech UniversityLubbockTXUSA
- Present address:
Texas Parks and Wildlife DepartmentNongame and Rare Species ProgramAustinTXUSA
| | | | | | | | - Liam P. McGuire
- Department of Biological SciencesTexas Tech UniversityLubbockTXUSA
- Present address:
Department of BiologyUniversity of WaterlooWaterlooONCanada
| | | | - David T. S. Hayman
- Molecular Epidemiology and Public Health LaboratoryHopkirk Research InstituteMassey UniversityPalmerston NorthNew Zealand
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44
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McGuire LP, Fuller NW, Dzal YA, Haase CG, Silas KA, Willis CKR, Olson SH, Lausen CL. Similar hibernation physiology in bats across broad geographic ranges. J Comp Physiol B 2021; 192:171-181. [PMID: 34426856 DOI: 10.1007/s00360-021-01400-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2020] [Revised: 06/28/2021] [Accepted: 08/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Species with broad geographic ranges may experience varied environmental conditions throughout their range leading to local adaptation. Variation among populations reflects potential adaptability or plasticity, with implications for populations impacted by disease, climate change, and other anthropogenic influences. However, behavior may counteract divergent selection among populations. We studied intraspecific variation in hibernation physiology of Myotis lucifugus (little brown myotis) and Corynorhinus townsendii (Townsend's big-eared bat), two species of bats with large geographic ranges. We studied M. lucifugus at three hibernacula which spanned a latitudinal gradient of 1500 km, and C. townsendii from 6 hibernacula spread across 1200 km latitude and 1200 km longitude. We found no difference in torpid metabolic rate among populations of either species, nor was there a difference in the effect of ambient temperature among sites. Evaporative water loss was similar among populations of both species, with the exception of one C. townsendii pairwise site difference and one M. lucifugus site that differed from the others. We suggest the general lack of geographic variation is a consequence of behavioral microhabitat selection. As volant animals, bats can travel relatively long distances in search of preferred microclimates for hibernation. Despite dramatic macroclimate differences among populations, hibernating bats are able to find preferred microclimate conditions within their range, resulting in similar selection pressures among populations spread across wide geographic ranges.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liam P McGuire
- Department of Biology, University of Waterloo, 200 University Ave W, Waterloo, ON, N2L 3G1, Canada.
- Department of Biological Sciences, Texas Tech University, 2901 Main St, Lubbock, TX, 79409, USA.
| | - Nathan W Fuller
- Department of Biological Sciences, Texas Tech University, 2901 Main St, Lubbock, TX, 79409, USA
- Nongame and Rare Species Program, Texas Parks and Wildlife, Austin, TX, 78744, USA
| | - Yvonne A Dzal
- Department of Biology, University of Winnipeg, 515 Portage Ave, Winnipeg, MB, R3B 2E9, Canada
| | - Catherine G Haase
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Montana State University, PO Box 173520, Bozeman, MT, 59717, USA
- Department of Biology, Austin Peay State University, PO Box 4718, Clarkesville, TN, 37040, USA
| | - Kirk A Silas
- Health Program, Wildlife Conservation Society, Bronx, NY, USA
| | - Craig K R Willis
- Department of Biology, University of Winnipeg, 515 Portage Ave, Winnipeg, MB, R3B 2E9, Canada
| | - Sarah H Olson
- Health Program, Wildlife Conservation Society, Bronx, NY, USA
| | - Cori L Lausen
- Western Canada Bat Program, Wildlife Conservation Society Canada, PO Box 606, Kaslo, BC, V0G 1M0, Canada
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45
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McGuire LP, Johnson EM, Frick WF, Boyles JG. Temperature alone is insufficient to understand hibernation energetics. J Exp Biol 2021; 224:269251. [PMID: 34160026 DOI: 10.1242/jeb.239772] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2020] [Accepted: 06/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Energy conservation has long been a focal point in hibernation research. A long-standing assumption is that ambient temperature (Ta) largely defines the rate of energy expenditure because of well-known relationships between Ta, metabolic rate and frequency of arousal from torpor. Body condition and humidity also affect energy expenditure but are usually considered secondary factors. We held tricolored bats (Perimyotis subflavus) in captivity under multiple environmental conditions to directly compare the importance of Ta, fat mass and humidity for hibernation energy expenditure. Fat mass was the best predictor of female mass loss, followed by Ta and humidity. However, males had less fat and adopted a more energetically conservative hibernation strategy. Our results demonstrate that understanding the evolution of behavior, physiology and ecology of hibernation requires disentangling the relative contributions of multiple drivers of hibernation energetics, and that Ta is not always the most important factor driving energy expenditure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liam P McGuire
- Department of Biology, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON, Canada, N2L 3G1.,Department of Biological Sciences, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX 79401, USA
| | - Emily M Johnson
- Department of Biological Sciences, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX 79401, USA
| | - Winifred F Frick
- Bat Conservation International, Austin, TX 78746, USA.,Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of California, Santa Cruz, CA 95060, USA
| | - Justin G Boyles
- Cooperative Wildlife Research Laboratory and School of Biological Sciences, Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, IL62901, USA
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46
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Nespolo RF, Mejías C, Espinoza A, Quintero-Galvis J, Rezende EL, Fontúrbel FE, Bozinovic F. Heterothermy as the Norm, Homeothermy as the Exception: Variable Torpor Patterns in the South American Marsupial Monito del Monte ( Dromiciops gliroides). Front Physiol 2021; 12:682394. [PMID: 34322034 PMCID: PMC8311349 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2021.682394] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2021] [Accepted: 06/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Hibernation (i.e., multiday torpor) is considered an adaptive strategy of mammals to face seasonal environmental challenges such as food, cold, and/or water shortage. It has been considered functionally different from daily torpor, a physiological strategy to cope with unpredictable environments. However, recent studies have shown large variability in patterns of hibernation and daily torpor ("heterothermic responses"), especially in species from tropical and subtropical regions. The arboreal marsupial "monito del monte" (Dromiciops gliroides) is the last living representative of the order Microbiotheria and is known to express both short torpor episodes and also multiday torpor depending on environmental conditions. However, only limited laboratory experiments have documented these patterns in D. gliroides. Here, we combined laboratory and field experiments to characterize the heterothermic responses in this marsupial at extreme temperatures. We used intraperitoneal data loggers and simultaneous measurement of ambient and body temperatures (T A and T B, respectively) for analyzing variations in the thermal differential, in active and torpid animals. We also explored how this differential was affected by environmental variables (T A, natural photoperiod changes, food availability, and body mass changes), using mixed-effects generalized linear models. Our results suggest that: (1) individuals express short bouts of torpor, independently of T A and even during the reproductive period; (2) seasonal torpor also occurs in D. gliroides, with a maximum bout duration of 5 days and a mean defended T B of 3.6 ± 0.9°C (one individual controlled T B at 0.09°C, at sub-freezing T A); (3) the best model explaining torpor occurrence (Akaike information criteria weight = 0.59) discarded all predictor variables except for photoperiod and a photoperiod by food interaction. Altogether, these results confirm that this marsupial expresses a dynamic form of torpor that progresses from short torpor to hibernation as daylength shortens. These data add to a growing body of evidence characterizing tropical and sub-tropical heterothermy as a form of opportunistic torpor, expressed as daily or seasonal torpor depending on environmental conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberto F. Nespolo
- Instituto de Ciencias Ambientales y Evolutivas, Universidad Austral de Chile, Valdivia, Chile
- Center of Applied Ecology and Sustainability (CAPES), Departamento de Ecología Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
- Millennium Institute for Integrative Biology (iBio), Santiago, Chile
| | - Carlos Mejías
- Instituto de Ciencias Ambientales y Evolutivas, Universidad Austral de Chile, Valdivia, Chile
| | - Angelo Espinoza
- Instituto de Ciencias Ambientales y Evolutivas, Universidad Austral de Chile, Valdivia, Chile
| | - Julián Quintero-Galvis
- Instituto de Ciencias Ambientales y Evolutivas, Universidad Austral de Chile, Valdivia, Chile
| | - Enrico L. Rezende
- Center of Applied Ecology and Sustainability (CAPES), Departamento de Ecología Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | | | - Francisco Bozinovic
- Center of Applied Ecology and Sustainability (CAPES), Departamento de Ecología Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
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47
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Meierhofer MB, Lilley TM, Ruokolainen L, Johnson JS, Parratt SR, Morrison ML, Pierce BL, Evans JW, Anttila J. Ten-year projection of white-nose syndrome disease dynamics at the southern leading-edge of infection in North America. Proc Biol Sci 2021; 288:20210719. [PMID: 34074117 PMCID: PMC8170204 DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2021.0719] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Predicting the emergence and spread of infectious diseases is critical for the effective conservation of biodiversity. White-nose syndrome (WNS), an emerging infectious disease of bats, has resulted in high mortality in eastern North America. Because the fungal causative agent Pseudogymnoascus destructans is constrained by temperature and humidity, spread dynamics may vary by geography. Environmental conditions in the southern part of the continent are different than the northeast, where disease dynamics are typically studied, making it difficult to predict how the disease will manifest. Herein, we modelled WNS pathogen spread in Texas based on cave densities and average dispersal distances of hosts, projecting these results out to 10 years. We parameterized a predictive model of WNS epidemiology and its effects on bat populations with observed cave environmental data. Our model suggests that bat populations in northern Texas will be more affected by WNS mortality than southern Texas. As such, we recommend prioritizing the preservation of large overwintering colonies of bats in north Texas through management actions. Our model illustrates that infectious disease spread and infectious disease severity can become uncoupled over a gradient of environmental variation and highlight the importance of understanding host, pathogen and environmental conditions across a breadth of environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melissa B Meierhofer
- Department of Rangeland, Wildlife and Fisheries Management, Texas A&M University, 534 John Kimbrough Boulevard, College Station, TX 77843, USA.,Natural Resources Institute, Texas A&M University, 534 John Kimbrough Boulevard, College Station, TX 77843, USA.,Finnish Museum of Natural History, University of Helsinki, Pohjoinen Rautatiekatu 13, 00100 Helsinki, Finland
| | - Thomas M Lilley
- Finnish Museum of Natural History, University of Helsinki, Pohjoinen Rautatiekatu 13, 00100 Helsinki, Finland
| | - Lasse Ruokolainen
- Department of Biosciences, University of Helsinki, Yliopistonkatu 4, 00100 Helsinki, Finland
| | - Joseph S Johnson
- Department of Biological Sciences, Ohio University, Athens, OH 45701, USA
| | - Steven R Parratt
- Department of Ecology and Evolution, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L69 7BE, UK
| | - Michael L Morrison
- Department of Rangeland, Wildlife and Fisheries Management, Texas A&M University, 534 John Kimbrough Boulevard, College Station, TX 77843, USA
| | - Brian L Pierce
- Natural Resources Institute, Texas A&M University, 534 John Kimbrough Boulevard, College Station, TX 77843, USA
| | - Jonah W Evans
- Wildlife Diversity Program, Texas Parks and Wildlife, 4200 Smith School Road, Austin, TX 78744, USA
| | - Jani Anttila
- Natural Resources Institute Finland (Luke), Latokartanonkaari 9, 00790 Helsinki, Finland
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48
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Schorr RA, Siemers JL. Population dynamics of little brown bats ( Myotis lucifugus) at summer roosts: Apparent survival, fidelity, abundance, and the influence of winter conditions. Ecol Evol 2021; 11:7427-7438. [PMID: 34188824 PMCID: PMC8216974 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.7573] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2020] [Revised: 03/24/2021] [Accepted: 03/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
White-nose syndrome (WNS) has caused the death of millions of bats, but the impacts have been more difficult to identify in western North America. Understanding how WNS, or other threats, impacts western bats may require monitoring other roosts, such as maternity roosts and night roosts, where bats aggregate in large numbers.Little brown bats (Myotis lucifugus) are experiencing some of the greatest declines from WNS. Estimating survival and understanding population dynamics can provide valuable data for assessing population declines and informing conservation efforts.We conducted a 5-year mark-recapture study of two M. lucifugus roosts in Colorado. We used the robust design model to estimate apparent survival, fidelity, and abundance to understand population dynamics, and environmental covariates to understand how summer and winter weather conditions impact adult female survival. We compared the fidelity and capture probability of M. lucifugus between colonies to understand how bats use such roosts.Overwinter survival increased with the number of days with temperatures below freezing (β > 0.100, SE = 0.003) and decreased with the number of days with snow cover (β < -0.40, SE < 0.13). Adult female fidelity was higher at one maternity roost than the other. Overwinter and oversummer adult female survival was high (>0.90), and based on survival estimates and fungal-swabbing results, we believe these populations have yet to experience WNS.Recapture of M. lucifugus using antennas that continuously read passive integrated transponder tags allows rigorous estimation of bat population parameters that can elucidate trends in abundance and changes in survival. Monitoring populations at summer roosts can provide unique population ecology data that monitoring hibernacula alone may not. Because few adult males are captured at maternity colonies, and juvenile males have low fidelity, additional effort should focus on understanding male M. lucifugus population dynamics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert A. Schorr
- Colorado Natural Heritage ProgramColorado State UniversityFort CollinsCOUSA
| | - Jeremy L. Siemers
- Colorado Natural Heritage ProgramColorado State UniversityFort CollinsCOUSA
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Ryu H, Kinoshita K, Joo S, Kim SS. Urinary creatinine varies with microenvironment and sex in hibernating Greater Horseshoe bats (Rhinolophus ferrumequinum) in Korea. BMC Ecol Evol 2021; 21:77. [PMID: 33947328 PMCID: PMC8094569 DOI: 10.1186/s12862-021-01802-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2020] [Accepted: 04/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In temperate regions many small mammals including bats hibernate during winter. During hibernation these small mammals occasionally wake up (arouse) to restore electrolyte and water balance. However, field data on water stress and concentration of bodily fluids during hibernation is scarce. Urinary creatinine concentration has long been used to calibrate urinary hormone concentration due to its close correlation with urine concentration. Therefore, by investigating urinary creatinine concentration, we can estimate bodily fluid concentration. In this study, we investigated changes in urinary creatinine from greater horseshoe bats (Rhinolophus ferrumequinum) hibernating in abandoned mineshafts in two regions in South Korea. RESULTS We collected 74 urine samples from hibernating greater horseshoe bats from 2018 to 2019. We found that urinary creatinine concentration was higher in February and March and then declined in April. There were also indications of a sex difference in the pattern of change in creatinine concentration over the three months. Bats in the warmer and less humid mineshaft had higher urinary creatinine concentrations than bats in the colder and more humid mineshaft. CONCLUSIONS These results indicate that hibernating bats face water stress as urinary concentration increases during winter and that water stress may vary depending on the microenvironment. Sex differences in behaviour during hibernation may influence arousal frequency and result in sex differences in changes in urinary creatinine concentration as hibernation progresses. Although further behavioural and endocrinal investigations are needed, our study suggests that urinary creatinine concentration can be used as a proxy to estimate the hydration status of bats and the effect of sex and environmental factors on arousal patterns during hibernation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heungjin Ryu
- School of Life Sciences, Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology, UNIST- gil 50, 44919, Eonyang-eup, Ulju, Ulsan, Republic of Korea
- National Institute of Ecology, Geumgang-ro 1210, Maseo-myeon, 33657, Seocheon, Chungnam, Republic of Korea
- Primate Research Institute, Kyoto University, 41-2 Kanrin, 484-8506, Inuyama, Aichi, Japan
| | - Kodzue Kinoshita
- Wildlife Research Center, Kyoto University, 2-24 Tanaka-Sekiden, 606-8203, Sakyo, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Sungbae Joo
- National Institute of Ecology, Geumgang-ro 1210, Maseo-myeon, 33657, Seocheon, Chungnam, Republic of Korea
| | - Sun-Sook Kim
- National Institute of Ecology, Geumgang-ro 1210, Maseo-myeon, 33657, Seocheon, Chungnam, Republic of Korea.
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White CR, Marshall DJ, Chown SL, Clusella‐Trullas S, Portugal SJ, Franklin CE, Seebacher F. Geographical bias in physiological data limits predictions of global change impacts. Funct Ecol 2021. [DOI: 10.1111/1365-2435.13807] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Craig R. White
- School of Biological Sciences Monash University Melbourne Australia
- Centre for Geometric Biology Monash University Melbourne Australia
| | - Dustin J. Marshall
- School of Biological Sciences Monash University Melbourne Australia
- Centre for Geometric Biology Monash University Melbourne Australia
| | - Steven L. Chown
- School of Biological Sciences Monash University Melbourne Australia
| | - Susana Clusella‐Trullas
- Centre for Invasion Biology Department of Botany and Zoology Stellenbosch University Stellenbosch South Africa
| | - Steven J. Portugal
- Department of Biological Sciences Royal HollowayUniversity of London Egham UK
| | - Craig E. Franklin
- School of Biological Sciences The University of Queensland Brisbane Australia
| | - Frank Seebacher
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences A08 University of Sydney Sydney Australia
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