Role of ambient temperature in emergence of woodchucks (Marmota monax) from hibernation [Rôle de la température ambiante sur l'émergence après hibernation des marmottes (M. monax)].

Résumé

La sortie d'hibernation étudiée en Pennsylvannie entre le 29/1 et le 13/2 pendant 13 ans est conditionnée par l'apparition d'un temps relativement chaud. Mais un cycle annuel endogène intervient dans le déclenchement de l'éveil. The dates of emergence from its burrow of the first woodchuck (Marmota monax) of the year over a 13-year period ranged from 29 January to 13 February in S-central Pennsylvania. Emergence of subsequent woodchucks was correlated with periods of warm weather. It seems likely that terminal arousal from hibernation is controlled by a circannual clok and that actual emergence depends on the daily temperature.