Digging for cold: how temperature and depth determine hibernacula selection for a small mammalian hibernator, the New Mexico Jumping Mouse (<i>Zapus luteus</i>).

ABSTRACT: Adaptation of mammals to seasonally changing environments is crucial for survival and fitness. Some mammals migrate or alter their behavior when resources are limited, while others hibernate-a strategy that offers profound seasonal metabolic savings. During hibernation, both body temperature and metabolic rate are reduced, minimizing energy expenditures. However, when hibernacula temperatures decrease to below their body temperature setpoint, mammals must increase thermoregulatory output to maintain body temperature. Thus, the thermal characteristics of hibernacula play a crucial role in determining overwinter metabolic expenditure. We identified hibernacula locations of the endangered New Mexico Jumping Mouse (Zapus luteus), described physical characteristics of the hibernacula, an

SUBMITTER: Zahratka JL 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12704941 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature