Body Temperature Changes in Free-ranging Baboons (Papio hamadryas ursinus) in the Namib Desert, Namibia
We surgically implanted temperature sensitive telemeters intraperitonealy in free-ranging baboons. Thereafter, we recorded body temperature changes while the baboons were free-ranging and under visual observation. Two distinct patterns of daily body temperature fluctuations occurred; they were related to the availability of drinking water. Core body temperature fluctuated by as much as 5.3°C and regularly exceeded 41°C. Behavioral adaptations of the baboons, notably sandbathing, appeared to be associated with the regulation of body temperature. Keywords: Baboons, desert environment, temperature telemetry, body temperature.
International Journal of Primatology
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