title: Temperature regulation and basal metabolic rate in the spotted skunk, Spilogale putorius.
abstract: 1. Metabolic rate, body temperature, and evaporative water loss of six spotted skunks were measured at air temperatures between 8 and 40 degrees C. 2. The mean metabolic rate of spotted skunks at thermoneutral air temperatures was 30.5% below that predicted by body mass. 3. Thermal conductance, body temperature, and rates of evaporative water loss were like those of similar sized mammals. 4. The non-elongate body form, omnivorous diet, and low level of activity of spotted skunks distinguish them from other mustelids and may account for their lower-than-expected basal metabolism.
authors.affiliation: Division of Biological Sciences, University of Montana, Missoula 59812.
authors.forename: K L
authors.initials: KL
authors.lastname: Knudsen
authors.forename: D L
authors.initials: DL
authors.lastname: Kilgore
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001481:Basal Metabolism / Q000502:physiology*; D001824:Body Constitution; D001833:Body Temperature Regulation / Q000502:physiology*; D001834:Body Water / Q000378:metabolism; D002335:Carnivora / Q000502:physiology; D004032:Diet; D005260:Female; D008297:Male; D012889:Mephitidae / Q000502:physiology*; D010101:Oxygen Consumption