Presentation Details
| Effects of acute thermal stress on social behavior in guinea pigs Oriana.G Vargas1, Adriana A Maldonado1, 2, . 1School of Science and Engineering, Universidad del Rosario, BOGOTA, BOGOTA, Colombia.2Max Planck Institute of Animal Behavior, Konstanz, Baden-Württemberg, Germany |
Abstract
Anthropogenic climate change is altering environmental thermal profiles, yet its effects on animal social structures remain poorly understood. This study examines how acute thermal stress affects the social dynamics of guinea pigs (Cavia porcellus). We used eight social groups (N = 4 per enclosure) under three temperature conditions: 19°C (control), 25°C (moderate stress), and 35°C (high stress). To mimic natural heat waves, temperatures increased during peak daytime hours (11:00–15:00) for five consecutive days. Peripheral body temperature was recorded every five minutes using iButton loggers, while social behavior was monitored with cameras. Behavioral data are being analyzed with BehaveIA to quantify affiliative and agonistic interactions. Preliminary results show that individuals exposed to 35°C maintained elevated body temperatures after treatment, suggesting prolonged recovery. We aim to determine whether these physiological changes are associated with reduced affiliative behavior or increased agonistic interactions. This study highlights the importance of integrating physiological and social responses to predict species resilience under rising temperatures.
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No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the author.
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