Behavioural thermoregulation by montane ungulates under climate warming

Aim Global warming is threatening species survival worldwide. Cold-adapted montane ungulates may be among the first to affected by global warming. Here, we investigate behavioural thermoregulation hypothesis that buffer effects of climate through adjustment. Location Foping National Nature Reserve (FNNR) on southern slopes Qinling Mountains, Shaanxi, China. Methods We used infrared camera traps over six consecutive years monitor responses seasonal and diurnal changes in ambient temperature. evaluated how altitudinal migration their daily activity budget mitigate effect ungulates. Results All four ungulate examined here preferred temperatures <22°C summer. On this basis, estimate 27.9% (+2°C) 46.7% (+3°C) suitable summer habitats will become unsuitable under change. Chinese muntjac tufted deer displayed budgets, which help them overcome a certain extent. By contrast, golden takin wild boar did not display similar changes, it because they are current shifts due larger body size thus lower thermal stress. Main Conclusions These analyses demonstrate different likely determined specific tolerances temperature thresholds. However, remains seen whether interactions caused affect ability respond climate.