Winter Hibernation in Bats

We are now at a point in winter where many animals are hibernating and will remain dormant until they reemerge in the spring. Have you ever wondered what that hibernation actually looks like for some animals? 

This study from a Canadian group, published in the Journal of Experimental Biology last year looks the effect that different humidities have on the behaviours in bi brown bats during torpor (hibernation state of reduced physiological activity to conserve energy during periods of lower temperatures and decreased access to food).

The results of this study indicate that these bats huddle together more in drier conditions to reduce water loss and drank more often during periods of arousal. The number of arousals did not differ between the humidity groups, however the arousal period was shorter in dryer conditions, to conserve water.

At the end of the study, there was no difference in body mass between the different groups of bats, showing that these changes in behaviour were successful in conserving energy and that the bats exhibit the ability to adapt to conditions in order to optimise energy and water conservation during torpor.

Read, rate and review this study here:

Hibernating female big brown bats (<i>Eptesicus fuscus</i>) adjust huddling and drinking behaviour, but not arousal frequency, in response to low humidity

ABSTRACT Many mammals hibernate during winter, reducing energy expenditure via bouts of torpor. The majority of a hibernator’s energy reserves are used to fuel brief, but costly, aro…

PaperstarsKristina A. Muise, Yvonne A. Dzal, Quinn E. Fletcher, Craig K. R. Willis