Ways to measure body temperature in the field

Body temperature (T_b) represents one of the key parameters in ecophysiological studies with focus on energy saving strategies. In this study we therefore comparatively evaluated the usefulness of two types of temperature-sensitive passive transponders (LifeChips and IPTT-300) and one data logger (iButton, DS1922L) mounted onto a collar to measure T_b in the field. First we tested the accuracy of all three devices in a water bath with water temperature ranging from 0 to 40 °C. Second, we evaluated the usefulness of the LifeChips and the modified iButtons for measuring T_b of small heterothermic mammals under field conditions. For this work we subcutaneously implanted 14 male edible dormice (Glis glis) with transponders, and equipped another 14 males with data loggers to simultaneously record T_b and oxygen consumption with a portable oxygen analyzer (Oxbox). In one individual we recorded T_b with both devices and analyzed recorded T_b patterns.LifeChips are able to measure temperature within the smallest range from 25 to 40 °C with an accuracy of 0.07±0.12 °C. IPTT-300 transponders measured temperature between 10 and 40 °C, but accuracy decreased considerably at values below 30 °C, with maximal deviations of nearly 7 °C. An individual calibration of each transponder is therefore needed, before using it at low T_bs. The accuracy of the data logger was comparatively good (0.12±0.25 °C) and stable over the whole temperature range tested (0–40 °C). In all three devices, the repeatability of measurements was high.LifeChip transponders as well as modified iButtons measured T_b reliably under field conditions. Simultaneous T_b-recordings in one edible dormouse with an implanted LifeChip and a collar-mounted iButton revealed that values of both measurements were closely correlated. Taken together, we conclude that implanted temperature-sensitive transponders represent an appropriate and largely non-invasive method to measure T_b also under field conditions.