Body surface temperatures as biomarkers of physiological environmental adaptation in wild birds and mammals.

ABSTRACT: The ability of individuals to cope with their environment, and therefore the likelihood that they survive and pass on their genes (i.e. fitness), is largely determined by physiological state. Tracking physiological state in wild animals, however, is challenging. Predominant techniques rely on capture and invasive procedures, restricting research to trappable species and individuals. Additionally, natural behaviours are interrupted, results may be affected by surgery or carrying apparatus, and welfare constraints restrict repeated sampling. Also, the leading non-invasive alternative - faecal sampling - cannot detect rapid physiological changes. Thermal imaging offers an increasingly popular option for studying physiological state in homeothermic endotherms (birds and mammals). The method re

SUBMITTER: Jerem P 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12783446 | biostudies-literature | 2026 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature