Physiological and ecological aspects of aestivation of recently metamorphosed desert anurans

TitlePhysiological and ecological aspects of aestivation of recently metamorphosed desert anurans
Publication TypeThesis
Year of Publication1973
AuthorsMeltzer KH
Date Published1973
UniversityNew Mexico State University
CityLas Cruces, New Mexico
Thesis TypeM.S. Thesis
Call Number00216
Keywordsamphibian, also SEE <ANURAN>, anuran, aestivation, anuran, ecology, anuran, physiology, Bufo, dissertation, dissertations, Scaphiopus, theses, thesis, toad, SEE <ANURAN>
AbstractRecently metamorphosed Scaphiopus hammondi, Bufo cognatus and B. debilis, collected from a flooded playa in southern New Mexico, were allowed to burrow within soil containers (in the laboratory) which simulated natural winter conditions. Standard rates of oxygen consumption (QO2) obtained at 15 C, indicated that in aestivating S. hammondi juveniles, QO2 was 25% of that obtained for active toadlets. Scaphiopus juveniles were the most successful burrowers, in the laboratory containers, with a 60% overwintering survival; both B. cognatus and B. debilis were poor burrowers, with none surviving. Body water decreased approximately 13% and fat reserves by more than 33% in overwintering S. hammondi toadlets. Juvenile S. hammondi lose water to the dry desert soil (at greater than 35 bars), and metabolize body lipids at rates which allow the majority to remain burrowed for at least 18 months.