New study welfare and survival of Africa's arid mammals under threat of climate change

Dr Ned Snelling, Senior Lecturer in the Department of Anatomy and Physiology and Prof Leith Meyer, Director of the Centre for Veterinary Wildlife Studies, both from the Faculty of Veterinary Science have just published a new study on the welfare and survival of Africa’s arid-dwelling mammals under the threat of climate change. 

The pair teamed up with their Brain Function Research Group (BFRG) collaborators at Wits University to show how mammals will need to contend not only with increasing heat loads into the future, but also reduced water and food availability, a situation that will compromise their ability to regulate body temperature. The authors explain how a lack of water will suppress evaporative cooling during the day, while a lack of food will limit metabolic heat production at night, leading to body temperature irregularities, physiological malfunction and possible death.

The publication has appeared in a special themed issue - "Predicting the Future: Species Survival in a Changing World" - of the Journal of Experimental Biology with a once-off free access. To access and view the study/abstract please click here.

 

Dr Ned Snelling, Prof Leith Meyer

February 24, 2021

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Researchers
  • Dr Edward Snelling
    Dr Edward Snelling did his undergraduate studies at the University of Adelaide, Australia and joined the University of Pretoria’s Faculty of Veterinary Science in February 2019.

    His research is at the interface of experimental physiology, biomechanics and biochemistry. He uses models from Africa and Australia to study resting and locomotor energetics, respiratory and cardiovascular performance, muscle and skeletal systems, and thermoregulation in mammals, birds, fish, and insects. More information here -> www.edwardsnelling.com
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