Data from: They like it cold, but only in winter: climate‐mediated effects on a hibernator

Variations in ambient temperature (Ta) profoundly influence energy consumption in endotherms and therefore their survival and fitness. But depending on whether endotherms are hibernating or active, the same changes in Ta may have opposing consequences for their energy consumption. The aim of this study was therefore to investigate how variations in Ta, occurring during hibernation and during the active period of a hibernator, affect different fitness relevant traits. To understand whether changes in Ta impact phenology, body mass and reproduction in a small mammalian hibernator, we analysed Ta variations and detailed capture-mark-recapture data on edible dormice (Glis glis) collected between 1993 and 2016 in South-West Germany. Results revealed that during hibernation a Ta increase of 1°C advanced the date of first capture after hibernation by 6 days, but only if food availability during the preceding year was low. In contrast, after years of comparatively high food availability, date of first capture was not affected by Ta, but dormice had a significantly lower body mass after emergence, if Ta during hibernation was elevated (3 to 6g per 1°C). We presume that an earlier emergence as well as a lower body mass after emergence potentially reduce the chance to survive. During the active period of edible dormice, mean spring Ta a did not affect the date of birth but was positively associated with litter size, potentially improving reproductive success. Results of this study highlight that, depending on the physiological state of a hibernator, an increase in Ta can have positive and negative effects on fitness relevant traits.

搜集汇总

背景与挑战

背景概述

该数据集基于1993年至2016年在德国西南部收集的可食用睡鼠捕获-标记-再捕获数据，研究环境温度变化对冬眠动物适应性特征的影响。数据集包含出生日期、体重、首次捕获和窝仔数等关键变量，揭示了温度在冬眠期和活跃期对动物表型、能量消耗和繁殖的不同效应，强调气候因素如何通过生理状态调节冬眠动物的生存和繁殖成功率。