Daily rhythms of body temperature and activity in free-living Black-tailed Tree Rats (Thallomys nigricauda) along an aridity gradient

Since Black-tailed Tree Rats, Thallomys nigricauda, face variable thermal environments in their extensive range in southern Africa, variation in their physiological and behavioural responses to the wide range of ambient temperatures (Tas) was expected to play a role in the success and range of the species. Body temperature (Tb) and activity patterns of free-ranging Tree Rats were investigated during winter and summer at three study sites along an aridity gradient. We measured abdominal Tb using implanted iButtons®. All but three Tree Rats displayed significant 24 h Tb rhythmicity. The Tb range for Tree Rats was 32.33–40.63 °C (n = 13) and 32.69–40.15 °C (n = 17) in winter and summer respectively. Although there was variation in Tb profiles, Tree Rats generally displayed a bimodal distribution of Tb, with high and low Tb values during scotophase and photophase respectively. Site had no effect on the range of Tb in winter. Range in Tb was significantly greater in winter, when Tree Rats reduced their minimum Tb. Maximum amplitudes of daily rhythms of Tb were 259.7% of expected values. Temperatures of cavities were more stable compared with operative temperature. In winter male Tree Rats spent a significantly greater proportion of the active phase away from their home cavity compared with females. It is suggested that the energy savings in Tree Rats are a result of a combination of physiological and behavioural mechanisms allowing them to maintain nocturnal activity in winter and overall energy balance.