Seasonally-related physiological and behavioural changes in captive Richardson's ground squirrels (Spermophilus richardsoni).
1. This study reveals the interrelationship among body weight, food intake and activity for a one-year period in two different year groups of captive juvenile Richardson's ground squirrels (Spermophilus richardsoni). 2. An increase in body weight during initial captivity and during the post-hibernation period related to an increase in food intake and in activity. 3. High and constant body weights during the pre-hibernation seasons were associated with a "voluntary" reduction in food intake, a decline in standard metabolic rate and in activity. These changes occurred before changes in photoperiod and temperature. 4. Hibernation occurred in most of the food-deprived animals but, except for one individual, not in animals provided with food ad libitum.
D000064:Acclimatization; D000818:Animals; D001522:Behavior, Animal; D001835:Body Weight; D002245:Carbon Dioxide / Q000032:analysis; D005247:Feeding Behavior; D009043:Motor Activity; D010101:Oxygen Consumption; D012589:Sciuridae / Q000502:physiology*; D012621:Seasons
D002245:Carbon Dioxide