A comparative study of metabolic rates and thermoregulation of two African antelopes, the steenbok Raphicerus campestris and the blue duiker Cephalophus monticola

Abstract

1. 1.|The steenbok, a small diurnal antelope is widely distributed in the southern African subregion even in extreme deserts. The blue duiker is limited in its distribution to forests on the eastern coast of the subregion. 2. 2.|A comparative study of heat production and dissipation was carried out in order to assess the ability of these two species to cope with dry habitats. 3. 3.|Low metabolic rates, a high lower-critical point and high overall minimal thermal conductance as found in the steenbok when compared to the blue duiker seem to be important adaptations which help the steenbok to conserve water even when exposed to high ambient temperatures and, therefore, to inhabit extreme arid habitats.