Simultaneous collection of body temperature and activity data in burrowing mammals: a new technique

Integrating physiological and behavioral observations into ecological field studies of animals can provide novel insights into relationships among animal behavior, physiology, and ecology. We describe and evaluate a new technique for simultaneously collecting body temperature (T-b) and burrow use data for semi-fossorial mammals by combining light-sensitive radiotransmitters and implanted temperature-sensitive dataloggers. We used this approach to collect core T-b and activity data for 9 free-ranging arctic ground squirrels (Spermophilus parryii) in northern Alaska, USA, at approximately 5-minute intervals for 30-90 days each to address questions related to thermoregulation, energetics, foraging, sociality, and timing of activity in natural environments.