Daily rhythmicity and hibernation in the Anatolian ground squirrel under natural and laboratory conditions

Spermophilus xanthoprymnus (Rodentia: Sciuridae)

“…The only difference between the field and laboratory means is in robustness of the rhythm. Robustness is considerably higher in the laboratory than in the field, probably because of the more stable environment of the laboratory (Kart Gü r et al 2009). …”

“…However, entry times into long torpor bouts (5 days or longer) and arousal times from either short or long torpor bouts are not concentrated at any time of day. Also, entry into and arousal from test drops occur at a certain time of day (Kart Gü r et al 2009). …”

“…Juveniles are distinguished from adults by body size and mass during most of the summer. Anogenital distance, which is shorter in females than in males, is a reliable character for determining sex at any age, including newborn (Gü r and Barlas 2006;Gür and Kart Gü r 2005;Kart Gü r et al 2009). …”

“…4). Body temperature during torpor bouts seems to follow ambient (soil or air) temperature closely (Kart Gü r et al 2009). …”

“…Miscellaneous.-Spermophilus xanthoprymnus is easily trapped using treadle-style, wire-mesh live traps (e.g., Single Door Squirrel/Muskrat Trap, model 202, 48 by 15 by 15 cm with 2.5 by 2.5-cm wire mesh; Tomahawk Live Trap Co., Tomahawk, Wisconsin) baited with peanut butter, placed at burrow entrances (Gü r and Barlas 2006;Gü r and Kart Gür 2005;Kart Gü r et al 2009), although some individuals are trap-shy (Gü r 2001). Individuals are also easily marked permanently with a numbered metal tag in each ear.…”