Non‐shivering thermogenesis in four species of African mole‐rats differing in their sociality

Many mammalian species are adapted to living in burrows for most of their lives. Inhabiting such thermally stable environments may influence the variation on thermogenic capacity, particularly non-shivering thermogenesis (NST). African mole-rats (Bathyergidae) subterranean rodents occurring fynbos, grassland and wooded savannas across sub-Saharan Africa that vary complexity social systems, ranging from strictly solitary highly species. The presence magnitude NST well known bathyergids, but no data exist counterparts. In this study, we quantified three mole-rat represented by distinct genera together with one Our results showed all is functional. Maximum metabolic rate after norepinephrine injection was equivalent 269% resting values giant Fukomys mechowii 166%, 282% 157% species: silvery Heliophobius argenteocinereus, Cape Georychus capensis dune Bathyergus suillus, respectively. To test our prediction capacity higher combined those available other members family. contrast prediction, did not differ between bathyergids. Body mass, as main factor, minimum air temperature (Tmin), accounts more than 80% bathyergid mole-rats.