Seasonal variations in metabolism and thermoregulation in the striped hamster (Cricetulus barabensis)

(1)Metabolic rate (MR), thermal neutral zone (TNZ), body temperature (Tb), and thermal conductance were measured in striped hamsters (Cricetulus barabensis) that were live-trapped in winter and summer.(2)TNZ of winter hamsters was 20.8–30.6 °C and that of summer hamsters was 27.5–32.9 °C. Mean MR within the TNZ was 3.89±0.13 ml O2/g h in winter and 2.58±0.07 ml O2/g h in summer. The seasonal effects on Tb were not significant (P=0.09).(3)The ecological physiology properties for the hamster were higher MR and wider TNZ in winter but a lower MR and narrower TNZ in summer, which were closely related to their living habits, characterized by a cold winter and hot, dry summer.