Integration of metabolism and digestion in the hyrax

Author: N. Fairall, A.K. Eloff & I.S. McNairn
Year: 1983
Issue: 1
Volume: 13
Page: 79 - 80

Metabolic adaptations and digestive ability were integrated to explain the ecological efficiency of the hyrax (Procavia capensis). Metabolic rate was shown to decrease linearly with a drop in ambient temperature, but at a lower rate than an animal of equivalent size, the guinea-pig (Cavia porcellus). This is achieved by lowering the body temperature with a drop in ambient temperature. Maintenance energy requirements within the thermoneutral zone are ca 700 kJ/day for mature and 400 kJ/day for immature hyrax and were supplied even on a poor quality laboratory diet. These factors explain the wide adaptability and competitive ability of the hyrax where its predators have been eliminated.

Keywords: conservation of energy, digestion, Hyrax, metabolic rate, temperature-regulation
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