Title |
Orientation to solar radiation in black wildebeest (Connochaetes gnou)
|
---|---|
Published in |
Journal of Comparative Physiology A, August 2005
|
DOI | 10.1007/s00359-005-0031-3 |
Pubmed ID | |
Authors |
Shane K. Maloney, Graeme Moss, Duncan Mitchell |
Abstract |
We recorded the body axis orientation of free-living black wildebeest relative to incident solar radiation and wind. Observations were made on three consecutive days, on six occasions over the course of 1 year, in a treeless, predominantly cloudless habitat. Frequency of orientation parallel to incident solar radiation increased, and perpendicular to incident solar radiation decreased, as ambient dry-bulb temperature or solar radiation intensity increased, or wind speed decreased. We believe these changes were mediated via their effect on skin temperature. Parallel orientation behavior was more prominent when the wildebeest were standing without feeding than it was when they were feeding. We calculate that a black wildebeest adopting parallel orientation throughout the diurnal period would absorb 30% less radiant heat than the same animal adopting perpendicular orientation. Parallel orientation was reduced at times when water was freely available, possibly reflecting a shift from behavioral to autonomic thermoregulatory mechanisms. The use of orientation behavior by black wildebeest is well developed and forms part of the suite of adaptations that help them to maintain heat balance while living in a shadeless, often hot, environment. |
Mendeley readers
Geographical breakdown
Country | Count | As % |
---|---|---|
Czechia | 1 | 3% |
South Africa | 1 | 3% |
Unknown | 30 | 94% |
Demographic breakdown
Readers by professional status | Count | As % |
---|---|---|
Professor > Associate Professor | 6 | 19% |
Researcher | 5 | 16% |
Student > Ph. D. Student | 4 | 13% |
Student > Master | 4 | 13% |
Student > Bachelor | 2 | 6% |
Other | 7 | 22% |
Unknown | 4 | 13% |
Readers by discipline | Count | As % |
---|---|---|
Agricultural and Biological Sciences | 13 | 41% |
Environmental Science | 9 | 28% |
Veterinary Science and Veterinary Medicine | 2 | 6% |
Nursing and Health Professions | 1 | 3% |
Medicine and Dentistry | 1 | 3% |
Other | 0 | 0% |
Unknown | 6 | 19% |