Energetics and Water Relations of Namib Desert Rodents

Withers, Philip C.; Louw, G. N.; Henschel, Joh R.

doi:10.1080/02541858.1980.11447700

Cited by 61 publications

(31 citation statements)

References 2 publications

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“…Aethomys is a relatively recent invader of the Namib desert and is the most « R-selected » or opportunistic. In fact, Aethomys Withers (1979) and Withers et al (1980) and unpublished data for kidney structure.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 95%

“…More detailed accounts of other aspects of the study site, ecology and physiology of the Namib rodents are provided elsewhere (Withers, 1979;Withers et al, 1980).…”

Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…The small mammals of the Namib desert are similarly adapted to tolerate water deprivation (Withers, 1979;Christian, 1979;Withers et al, 1980). However, little is known concerning the possible adaptive modification in life history parameters, such as reproductive potential and annual mortality rates whiich might accompany the physiological adaptations of desert rodents.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 98%

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Seasonal reproduction by small mammals of the Namib desert

Withers¹

1983

Mammalia

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 95%

“…More detailed accounts of other aspects of the study site, ecology and physiology of the Namib rodents are provided elsewhere (Withers, 1979;Withers et al, 1980).…”

Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 98%

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Seasonal reproduction by small mammals of the Namib desert

Withers¹

1983

Mammalia

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“…Presumably, the water available in their specialized diet precludes them from having to control water loss as strictly as species feeding on substantially drier diets such as grain or seed (see Withers et al, 1980), granivory being common amongst arid rodents (Kam, Khokhlova & Degen, 1997). Furthermore, P. brantsii exhibited a very low maximum predicted urine concentrating ability for a desert rodent.…”

Section: Renal Structure and Functionmentioning

confidence: 98%

Is the distribution of the arid‐occurring otomyine rodents of southern Africa related to physiological adaptation or refuge type?

2004

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Aspects of the physiology of the arid-occurring otomyine rodents of southern Africa (Parotomys brantsii, Parotomys littledalei and Otomys unisulcatus) were examined, including: (1) renal function; (2) thermal physiology. Parotomys littledalei exhibited a maximum predicted urine-concentrating ability similar to other arid-occurring rodents. Maximum concentrating abilities were moderate for O. unisulcatus and low for P. brantsii. The extension of P. littledalei into the driest regions, in which it occurs allopatrically, suggests the importance of renal function in determining the distributional limits of these species. The thermophysiology of these otomyine species demonstrated a mixed ability to cope with aridity. Typical of arid-occurring diurnal rodents, all became hyperthermic at high ambient temperatures. However, none exhibited several additional thermophysiological characteristics common to arid-occurring rodents. Thus, resting metabolic rate was not lower than expected for body size, while lower critical temperatures were relatively low and the thermal neutral zone was broad. Nevertheless, the upper limit of thermoneutrality of P. littledalei was lower than that of P. brantsii or O. unisulcatus. The failure of P. littledalei to occur in hotter areas, in which P. brantsii occurs, seems to be related to its thermal physiology. Whereas renal function or thermophysiology may influence the arid extension of P. brantsii and P. littledalei, the high vulnerability of its refuges to fire damage may limit the distribution of O. unisulcatus. Reviewing the thermophysiology of the Otomyinae from more mesic habitats, we argue that their thermophysiology is more closely related to refuge type than aridity. Compared to the apparently specialized physiological mechanisms used by omnivorous or granivorous desert rodents, our study suggests behavioural adaptations such as refuge type and food selection are more important to the survival of these herbivorous desert rodents.

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“…Remarkably, paternal warming of the precocial neonates may also have occurred. Nokis have a low metabolic rate for their size (Withers et al 1980), and this coupled with their diet of sometimes poor quality forage (Withers 1979;George 1981), makes the conservation of energy particularly adaptive. This is corroborated by prominent thermoregulatory behaviours, especially solar basking and exchanging heat by lying spreadeagled against rock faces (G. B.…”

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confidence: 99%

Social monogamy in the noki or dassie-rat (Petromus typicus) in Namibia

Rathbun

2006

Mammalian Biology

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The noki or dassie-rat (Petromus typicus) is a little-studied diurnal hystricognath rodent endemic to rocky outcrops in south-western Africa. An intermittent study in Namibia of 11 radio-tagged individuals, with over 250 h of direct observation, was done between 2000 and 2004 to document their basic natural history, including their social organization. The study was terminated when noki numbers collapsed, probably due to predation by an expanding population of black mongooses (Galerella nigrata) that was unintentionally provisioned with food at a nearby eco-tourist lodge. Male and female adults were distributed as monogamous pairs on home ranges that were similar in size and shape. The pair bond was strong, with many coordinated behaviours. Reproduction was seasonal with litters of single highly precocial young. Multiple generations remained on the parental home range without significant aggression. Most aggression was between adult males, while adult females showed tolerance towards each other and intruding adult males. Although noki social monogamy is probably the result of male mate guarding, considerable paternal care was observed, including allogrooming and vigilance against predators. Nokis have a relatively low metabolic rate and numerous thermoregulatory behaviours that suggest that nocturnal huddling by the male with his mate and young may be an important factor in the evolution of their social monogamy.

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Energetics and Water Relations of Namib Desert Rodents

Cited by 61 publications

References 2 publications

Seasonal reproduction by small mammals of the Namib desert

Seasonal reproduction by small mammals of the Namib desert

Is the distribution of the arid‐occurring otomyine rodents of southern Africa related to physiological adaptation or refuge type?

Social monogamy in the noki or dassie-rat (Petromus typicus) in Namibia

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