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Showing papers on "Flying squirrel published in 1991"


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: The southern flying squirrel forms large aggregations inside nest-lined tree cavities to reduce exposure to winter temperatures and the relationship between this species' cold tolerance and its current distribution is investigated.
Abstract: The southern flying squirrel (Glaucomys volans) forms large aggregations inside nest-lined tree cavities to reduce exposure to winter temperatures We measured oxygen consumption of individuals and grouped flying squirrels in Plexiglas and nest-box chambers in New Hampshire to determine savings provided by huddling and nest construction Because G volans breeds during late winter, we also measured energy expenditure of females during gestation and lactation These data were used to construct daily energy budgets for flying squirrels during winter and to investigate the relationship between this species' cold tolerance and its current distribution Flying squirrels had lower basal metabolism (095 cm3 O2∙g−1∙h−1) and rate of heat loss (011 cm3 O2∙g−1∙h−1∙ °C−1) than predicted according to mass Peak reproductive costs (1 week postparturition) were 170% of nonbreeding requirements At 9 °C, huddling in groups of three and six reduced energy expenditure by 27 and 36%, respectively Compared with individual

83 citations