 Reference Base  The thermoregulatory response of the rhinoceros (Diceros ... |
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Hiley, P.G., 1977. The thermoregulatory response of the rhinoceros (Diceros bicornis and Ceratotherium simum) and the zebra (Equus burchelli) to diurnal temperature change. East African Wildlife Journal 15 (4): 337, fig. 1
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World |
| Subject: |
Physiology |
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African Rhino Species |
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A white rhinoceros (Ceratotherium bicornis), a black rhinoceros (Diceros bicornis) and two zebra (Equus burchelli) were exposed to ambient diurnal temperature changes in Kenya, East Africa. The mean maximum dry bulb temperature was 29.9?C; the mean black bulb temperature at this time was 47.5?C. Cutaneous moisture loss (CML) was recorded with a desiccant capsule, respiration frequency (RF) was recorded by counting flank movements and rectal temperature was recorded with a rectal thermometer. Each rhinoceros species was recorded at 07.00 hours, 12.00 hours and 18.00 hours.
The thermo-regulatory response on the rhinoceros did not differ between species; their mean rectal temperature was 36.9?C at 07.00 hours and this increased to 37.9?C at 18.00 hours. The CML increased from 210 g/ km?/ h to 310 g / m? / h and the RF increased from 25 breaths/min to 56 breaths/min during this time.
The initial thermoregulatory response of the rhinoceros species was an increased CML.
A skin sample was taken from the experimental area (right dorsal aspect of the last three ribs) of a black rhinoceros and the numerous, highly convoluted sweat glands which were found are shown in Fig. 1.
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