Effects of captivity on thermoregulation and metabolism in Artibeus jamaicensis (chiroptera: phyllostomatidae)

Abstract

1. 1. In the Jamaican fig-eating bat, Artibeus jamaicensis, oxygen consumption (OC in cm3/g per hr) and deep body temperature (Tb in [deg]C) are significantly related to ambient temperature (Ta in [deg]C) and length of time in captivity, but not to the direction (low to high or high to low) of Ta change.2. 2. OC and Tb levels as functions of Ta rapidly change from those characteristic of a non-homeothermic endotherm on the day of capture to values characteristic of a homeothermic endotherm within 3-6 days in captivity.3. 3. Jamaican fig-eating bats examined within 12 hr of capture were physiologically distinct from individuals of this species kept briefly (3 days) in captivity.4. 4. Bats tested within 12 hr of capture at Tas of 30 and 25[deg]C required 1/3 and 2/3 less metabolic energy, respectively, than bats maintained briefly in captivity.