Surface temperature patterns in seals and sea lions: A validation of temporal and spatial consistency
Publication Type: |
Journal Article |
Year of Publication: |
2010 |
Authors: |
Jeanette Nienaber, Jamie Thomton, Markus Horning, Lori Polasek, Jo-Ann Mellish |
Publication/Journal: |
Journal of Thermal Biology |
Keywords: |
eumetopias jubatus, harbor seals, infrared thermography(irt), phoca vitulina, steller sealions, thermal windows, thermoregulation |
ISBN: |
03064565 |
Abstract:
We assessed infrared thermography (IRT) as a tool for evaluating spatial and temporal surface temperature patterns in juvenile female harbor seals (Phoca vitulina, n=6) and adult female Steller sea lions (Eumetopias jubatus, n=2). Following a technical assessment of the influence of environmental parameters on the specific camera to be used, we identified regional and seasonal variability of surface temperatures. Variation was observed in several seasonal transitions (winter, reproductive, molt) in ten monitored body regions. Spatially and temporally consistent thermal patterns in the shoulder, axillae, fore flipper and hind flipper suggest thermal windows in both species.