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Body Temperature Changes in Free-ranging Baboons (Papio hamadryas ursinus) in the Namib Desert, Namibia

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Abstract

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.

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Brain, C., Mitchell, D. Body Temperature Changes in Free-ranging Baboons (Papio hamadryas ursinus) in the Namib Desert, Namibia. International Journal of Primatology 20, 585–598 (1999). https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1020394824547

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