Thermoregulation and oxygen consumption in Kirk's dik-dik ( Madoqua kirkii) at ambient temperatures of 10–45°C

Abstract

1. 1. Thermoregulatory and metabolic responses of dik-dik ( Madoqua kirkii) were measured over an ambient temperature ( T a ) range of 10–45°C. 2. 2. The lower critical temperature was estimated at T a 25°C. 3. 3. At T a 40 and 45°C, dik-dik panted and oxygen consumption fell below that measured at thermoneutrality. 4. 4. The dik-dik appears well adapted to a high T a but can cope with a low T a only at a high metabolic cost.