Body Temperature and Oxygen Uptake in the Kinkajou (Potos Flavus, Schreber), A Nocturnal Tropical Carnivore

Abstract

Two kinkajous (Potos flavus, Procyonidae) showed marked nycthemeral variations in their rectal temperature. The mean T_r at night was 38.1 ± 0.4 °C SD and 36.0 ± 0.6 °C SD while resting during the day. Body temperature and O₂-consumption were measured at ambient temperatures from 5-35 °C. With one exception at 35 °C, hypo- or hyperthermia was never observed. At air temperatures above 30 °C the bears reacted with behavioural responses. O₂-consumption was minimal at T_a's from 23-30 °C. The mean basal metabolic rate was 0.316 ml O₂ g⁻¹ h⁻¹ which is only 65% of the expected value according to the Kleiber formula. Below 23 °C heat production followed the equation: y (ml O₂ g⁻¹ h⁻¹) = 0.727-0-018 T_a. The minimal thermal conductance was 90% of the predicted value according to the formula: C (ml O₂ g⁻¹ h⁻¹) °C ⁻¹) = 1.02 W^−0.505 (Herreid & Kessel, 1967). Kinkajous are another distinct exception to the mouse to elephant curve.