Tеmperature regulation of hibernation processes in long-tailed gopher Spermophilus undulatus Pallas, 1778

The article deals with the study of the course of hibernation of long-tailed gopher in an environment close to natural, and the identification of mechanisms of influence of the ambient temperature on the formation of hibernation rhythms. Body temperature of four Spermophilus undulatus specimens in hibernation was continuously observed with thermographs DS-1922L implanted intraperitoneally. Wintering and hibernation conditions were as close as possible to natural in the natural environment. Hibernation took place in the underground permafrost laboratory of the Institute of Permafrost Researches, Siberian Branch of Russian Academy of Sciences (Yakutsk), in conditions of permafrost soil at a depth of 16-18 m. Hypothermia periods of about 20 and more days were recorded for the first time. 94-95 % of the time gophers were in a state of hypothermia. 58-68 % of the hibernation time budget animals had a body temperature of 0º and below. Using the previously obtained data, the dependence of body temperature in gophers in the state of hypothermia on the ambient temperature as well as the dependence of the duration of hypothermia intervals on body temperature and ambient temperature was calculated.