Implantation of subcutaneous heart rate data loggers in southern elephant seals (Mirounga leonina)
International audience Unlike most phocid species (Phocidae), Miroungaleonina (southern elephant seals) experience acatastrophic moult where they not only replace their hairbut also their epidermis when ashore for approximately1 month. Few studies have investigated behavioural andphysiological adapt...
Published in: | Polar Biology |
---|---|
Main Authors: | , , , , , , , |
Other Authors: | , , , , , , , , , , , , |
Format: | Article in Journal/Newspaper |
Language: | English |
Published: |
HAL CCSD
2017
|
Subjects: | |
Online Access: | https://hal.science/hal-01643765 https://doi.org/10.1007/s00300-017-2144-x |
Summary: | International audience Unlike most phocid species (Phocidae), Miroungaleonina (southern elephant seals) experience acatastrophic moult where they not only replace their hairbut also their epidermis when ashore for approximately1 month. Few studies have investigated behavioural andphysiological adaptations of southern elephant seals duringthe moult fast, a particularly energetically costly lifecycle’s phase. Recording heart rate is a reliable techniquefor estimating energy expenditure in the field. For the firsttime, subcutaneous heart rate data loggers were successfullyimplanted during the moult in two free-rangingsouthern elephant seals over 3–6 days. No substantialpostoperative complications were encountered and consistentheart rate data were obtained. This promising surgicaltechnique opens new opportunities for monitoring heartrate in phocid seals |
---|