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Response to high ambient temperatures in short-distance and trans-Saharan migratory species
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  • Julian Hasenbichler,
  • Flora Bittermann,
  • Gilbert Hafner,
  • Thomas Zechmeister,
  • Ivan Maggini
Julian Hasenbichler
Veterinärmedizinische Universität Wien
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Flora Bittermann
Veterinärmedizinische Universität Wien
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Gilbert Hafner
Biologische Station Neusiedler See
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Thomas Zechmeister
Biological Station Lake Neusiedl
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Ivan Maggini
Veterinärmedizinische Universität Wien

Corresponding Author:[email protected]

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Abstract

In consideration of current global climate change, ecophysiological research on wild birds has increased its emphasis on approaches related to thermal tolerance. Many studies have investigated how desert specialists are adapted physiologically to the hot and xeric conditions they live in. Our aim was to test whether migratory passerines from temperate areas also have physiological adaptations to cope with heat stress and whether such adaptations may be related to habitat or migration distance. Using video recording and flow-through respirometry, we measured temperatures of panting onset (TPANT) of 113 individuals of 14 different species, exposed to increasing ambient temperature. Our study species differed in size, migration type (short-distance migrants vs. trans-Saharan migrants) and habitat preferences (woodland, farmland, reeds). We found that trans-Saharan migrants started panting at higher ambient temperatures (TA) than short-distance migrants of similar size, but no difference between species from different habitats. This finding suggests that migrants facing a desert crossing may have adaptations to decrease the risk of dehydration while maintaining body temperature below the critical range. According to this, we suggest that there may be selection on traits related to the modulation of respiratory water loss in birds that cross the Sahara Desert during migration. Flexibility in these traits will be of crucial importance in a warmer future.
25 Jul 2024Submitted to Journal of Avian Biology
25 Jul 2024Submission Checks Completed
25 Jul 2024Assigned to Editor
25 Jul 2024Review(s) Completed, Editorial Evaluation Pending
30 Jul 2024Reviewer(s) Assigned
15 Oct 2024Editorial Decision: Revise Major