ENERGY-METABOLISM, THERMOREGULATION AND WATER BUDGET IN THE SLOW LORIS (NYCTICEBUS-COUCANG, BODDAERT 1785)

1. 1. of1. At Ta's from 5-37°C the mean rectal temperature varied from 32.2-38.5°C. 2. 2. The thermoneutral zone extended from 25-33°C, the basal metabolic rate (0.229-0.244 ml O2/g·hr) being only 40% of the mammalian standard. 3. 3. An excellent thermal insulation provided by the thick fur and a counter current heat-exchange in the limbs could be demonstrated. 4. 4. Thermoregulatory responses at Ta's above 35°C were insufficient, mainly due to restricted capacities for evaporative cooling. 5. 5. The daily fresh water consumption was very low (9 ml H2O/day). 6. 6. The slow loris kidney is able to produce a rather high concentrated urine (3000 mOsm/kg H2O). 7. 7. The results were used to establish a daily energy budget under thermoneutral conditions. © 1979.