Hibernation in Free-Living Mountain Pygmy-Possums, Burramys Parvus (Marsupialia, Burramyidae)

Abstract

The long-term pattern of hibernation was studied in free-living mountain pygmy-possums, Burramys parvus, using temperature-sensitive radio-collars. Most males and females began to hibernate in early June within one week of their release. Hibernation was interrupted by spontaneous arousals that were followed by short normothermic periods and re-entry into torpor. The duration of multiday torpor bouts averaged 8 . 0 days (range 3-17 days) and arousal periods averaged 19 . 1 h. Single-day torpor bouts were observed occasionally. The duration of torpor bouts lengthened with the progress of the hibernation season and normothermic periods became shorter. The pattern of hibernation in free-living B. parvus was similar to that of captive individuals maintained under temperature regimes that were similar to those in the wild.