Respiratory activity and evaporative heat loss in the Small Indian Mongoose ( Herpestes auropunctatus)

Abstract

1. 1. A body plethysmograph was used to measure the respiratory tidal volume and frequency of the small Indian Mongoose, during exposure to a hot environment. 2. 2. A modification of the procedure permitted the partition of evaporative heat loss into respiratory and cutaneous components. 3. 3. Respiratory minute volume increased when the rectal temperature exceeded 41°C, the increase resulting from an increase in respiratory frequency, as the tidal volume diminished. 4. 4. Respiratory evaporative cooling was the more important means of evaporative heat loss at high ambient temperatures. 5. 5. There was little change in heart rate until the body temperature exceeded 43°C.