Temperaturregulation bei Flughunden der Gattung Rousettus Gray

Abstract

The ability to regulate body temperature was studied in the fruitbat Rousettus aegyptiacus. The daily range of body temperature (37,0–41,1°C) is much smaller than that of several Microchiroptera of the temperate zones. Considerable variations of ambient temperature within 24 hours (0–41°C) has no noticible influence on the body temperature of the fruitbat. During periods of low temperature the fruitbat becomes inactive but not torpid or lethargic. Only prolonged exposure to low temperature leads to hypothermia, especially in young animals. Sufficient nutrition delays entry into the hypothermic state. Deep hypothermia is reversible only by artificial rewarming. The fruitbats are unable to rewarm themselves neither spontanously nor after mechanical stimulation. In hypothermia temperature regulation breaks down. Body temperatures of 15°C are already lethal. The fruitbat can endure the hypothermic state only for a short time. The animals respond to low temperature with shivering and increased respiration like other homoiothermic animals. Hypothermia was induced artificially in the fruitbat; it is not a torpid or lethargic state as in the Microchiroptera of the temperate zones. Fruitbats of the genus Rousettus are homeothermic animals; they regulate their body temperatures against both heat and cold. From this study and other data we may conclude that thermoregulation in Megachiroptera differs considerably from many species of Microchiroptera, which become heterothermic when exposed to cold.