TitleSurface temperature patterns in seals and sea lions: A validation of temporal and spatial consistency
Publication TypeJournal Article
Year of Publication2010
AuthorsNienaber, J, Thomton, J, Horning, M, Polasek, L, Mellish, J-AE
JournalJournal of Thermal Biology
Volume35
Pagination435-440
Date Published09/2010
KeywordsThermal windows
AbstractWe 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, foreflipper and hindflipper suggest thermal windows in both species.
DOI10.1016/j.jtherbio.2010.09.005