Abstract: We aim to review current knowledge about the expression of daily torpor and hibernation (multiday torpor) in the 736 species of Chinese mammals. Both patterns of heterothermy are widespread among several orders. Especially noteworthy is the generally deep torpor in the rodents (jerboas, large hamsters, dormice, ground squirrels, marmots and chipmunks hibernate; mice, gerbils and small hamsters use daily torpor), insectivores (hedgehogs hibernate; shrews use daily torpor) and bats (many insectivorous bats hibernate; fruit bats likely use daily torpor). In contrast, the much larger carnivores use rather shallow hibernation. Primates, such as Xanthonycticebus intermedius, are also known to hibernate for a few days, and tree shrews and pangolins are likely to use some form of heterothermy. From a comparison of body size, almost 98% of Chinese heterotherms weigh between ~2 g and 10 kg, whereas torpor use in the large species is rare. Torpor occurs in all climate zones ranging from tropical to subarctic regions, from wet forests to arid deserts and from low elevations to high elevation montane areas. Although torpor is known to occur in many Chinese mammal species, detailed knowledge about the general biology, physiology and ecology of torpor is restricted to a few. Therefore, we recommend that more mammals are investigated in detail to gain a better understanding of the functional roles of torpor in the lives of Chinese mammals.

Key words: Ambient temperature, Body mass, Body temperature, Heterothermy, Torpor bout duration