Citation
Effects of ambient temperature on metabolic rate, respiratory quotient, and torpor in an arctic hibernator
TL;DR
Deep hibernators face 3-8% overall winter mortality
This paper quantified the mortality rates of deep hibernators, establishing the 3-8% winter mortality figure that demonstrates the restart risk trade-off. Higher metabolic suppression comes with measurably higher emergence risk.
Key Findings from Buck & Barnes (2000)
- Deep hibernators face 3-8% overall winter mortality
- Metabolic rate tracks ambient temperature in deep hibernators
- Arousal from deep torpor is energy-intensive
- Quantified relationship between suppression depth and survival