Staff 
Contact
Tel: +27 (0) 33 2605127
Fax: +27 (0) 33 2605105
e-mail: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
RESEARCH INTERESTS
These are multifaceted and interdisciplinary and affected by the availability of funding and students.
-
Ecophysiology of vertebrates in southern Africa:
-
The focus has been on southern African vertebrates, especially small mammals, birds and reptiles, response to unpredictable and seasonal environments. This is mainly to determine their phenotypic flexibility in physiological and behavioural traits. This explains how these species are adapted to these, their current distribution, and their possible range expansion or contraction with climate change scenarios. The main currencies are energy and water. So the focus has included thermal biology, behaviour, and dietary aspects. I think we have made particular advances in understanding seasonal variation in basal metabolic rate of birds, the importance of behaviour in thermal physiology (crocodiles, tortoises, rock hyrax and tree-rats), and understanding food choice and digestion in nectarivores and frugivores. Many of the why questions in ecology can only be answered by knowing the physiological and behavioural adaptations.
The frugivory research has mainly been laboratory based but will be extended over the next three years to include field work on both birds and bats. I have several collaborators involved in this work.
Over the next four years I am co-ordinating and supervising a project on Nile crocodiles that involves 2 PhD and 2 MSc students currently. The main focus is to determine physiological aspects of the crocodiles and relate this to ecological aspects. I have several collaborators involved in this work.
PROJECT: ZULULAND NILE CROCODILE RESEARCH
-
Conservation, ecology and general biology of vertebrates:
Aspects include Cape Parrots, Bushbuck, Oribi, Pelicans, Nile crocodiles, feral cats, translocation and reintroduction.
-
Science education:
Problems experienced by second language Life Science students. Development of appropriate teaching strategies to address these.
RESEARCH PUBLICATIONS
Peer-reviewed articles
1. Brown, M., Downs, C.T. & Johnson, S.D. 2010. Sugar preferences and digestive efficiency in an opportunistic avian nectarivore, the Dark-capped Bulbul. Journal of Ornithology. In press.
2. Brown, M., Downs, C.T. & Johnson, S.D. 2010. Concentration-dependent sugar preferences of the Malachite Sunbird Nectarinia famosa. Auk 127: in press.
3. Tennent, J., Downs, C.T., Wald, D.M. & Watson, H. Public perceptions of feral cats within an urban conservancy on a campus of the University of KwaZulu-Natal. South African Journal of Wildlife Research provisionally accepted
4. Nzama, S., Downs, C.T. & Brown, M. 2010. Seasonal variation in the metabolism-temperature relation of House Sparrows (Passer domesticus) in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. Journal of Thermal Biology doi: 10.1016/j.therbio.2009.12.002
5. Volampeno, S, & Downs, C.T. Involving local communities in conservation: An example involving blue-eyed black lemurs (Eulemur flavifrons). Lemur News in press
6. Lobban, K., Downs, C.T. & Brown, M. Diel variations in plasma glucose concentration in some South African avian frugivores. Emu in press
7. Wimberger, K., & Downs, C.T. Annual intake trends of a large urban animal rehabilitation centre in South Africa: a case study? Animal Welfare in press
8. Wimberger, K., Downs, C.T. & Boyes, S. A survey of wildlife rehabilitation in South Africa: is there a need for greater regulation? Animal Welfare in press
9. Wimberger, K., Armstrong, A.J., and Downs CT. 2009. Can rehabilitated leopard tortoises be successfully released into the wild? Chelonian Conservation and Biology 8:173-184.
10. Downs, C.T., Wellmann, A. & Brown, M. 2010. Diel variations in blood glucose concentrations in Malachite Sunbirds Nectarina famosa. Journal of Ornithology 151: 235-239.
11. Downs, C.T. 2010. Increasing equity and compensating historically academically disadvantaged students at a tertiary level: benefits of a Science Foundation Programme as a way of access. Teaching in Higher Education. 15: 97-107.
12. Downs, C.T. 2009. Is vacation apprenticeship of undergraduate Life Science students a model for human capacity development in the Life Sciences? International Journal of Science Education doi 10.1080/09500690903075004
13. Tennent, J.K., Downs, C.T., & Bodasing, M. 2009. Management Recommendations for Feral Cat (Felis catus) Populations within an Urban Conservancy in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. South African Journal of Wildlife Research 39: 137-142.
14. Wimberger, K., Downs, C.T. & Perrin, M.R. 2009. Two unsuccessful re-introduction attempts of rock hyrax (Procavia capensis) into a reserve in the KwaZulu-Natal Province, South Africa. South African Journal of Wildlife Research 39: 192-201.
15. Coleman, J.C. & Downs, C.T. 2009. Daily rhythms of body temperature and activity in free-living Black-tailed Tree Rats (Thallomys nigricauda) along an aridity gradient. Physiology and Behaviour 99:22-32.
16. Brown, M., Downs, C.T. & Johnson, S.D. 2009. Pollination of the red hot poker Kniphofia caulescens by short-billed opportunistic avian nectarivores. South African Journal of Botany 75: 707-712.
17. Coleman, J.C. & Downs, C.T. 2009. Seasonal changes in urine concentrating ability and water balance of the Black-tailed Tree Rat Thallomys nigricauda, along an aridity gradient. Comparative Biochemistry and Physiology, Part A 154: 508-513
18. McMaster, M. & Downs, C.T. 2009. Home Range and Daily Movement of Leopard Tortoises (Stigmochelys pardalis) in the Nama-Karoo, South Africa. Journal of Herpetology 43: 561-569
19. Chamane, S.C. & Downs, C.T. 2009. Seasonal effects on metabolism and thermoregulation abilities of the Red-winged Starling (Onychognathus morio). Journal of Thermal Biology 34: 337-341
20. Downs, C.T. 2009. Academic Performance and Pass Rates: Comparison of Three First Year Life Science courses. South African Journal of Higher Education 23:656-673.
21. Grey-Ross, R., Downs, C.T. & Kirkman, K. 2009. Is use of translocation for the conservation of subpopulations of oribi Ourebia ourebi effective? A case study. African Journal of Ecology 47: 409-415.
22. Grey, R., Downs, C.T. & Kirkman, K. 2009. Reintroduction failure of captive-bred oribi Ourebia ourebi. South African Journal of Wildlife Research 39:34-38.
23. Grey-Ross, R., Downs, C.T. & Kirkman, K. 2009. Using housing estates as conservation tools: A case study in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. Applied Geography. 29:371-376.
24. Downs, C., Boix-Hinzen, C & Brown, M. 2009. Morphology and functional significance of air bags in hornbill nestlings. Ostrich 80: 53-58.
25. Wellmann, A.E. & Downs, CT. 2009. Sugar preferences and digestion by Cape White-eyes, Zosterops virens, fed artificial fruit diets. African Zoology 44: 106-116.
26. Lindsay, C.V., Downs, C.T. & Brown, M. 2009. Physiological variation in Amethyst Sunbirds (Chalcomitra amethystina) over an altitudinal gradient in summer. Journal of Thermal Biology 34: 190-199.
27. Lindsay, C.V., Downs, C.T. & Brown, M. 2009. Physiological variation in Amethyst Sunbirds (Chalcomitra amethystina) over an altitudinal gradient in winter. Journal of Experimental Biology 212:483-493.
28. Wellmann, A. & Downs, C.T. 2009. A behavioural study of sleep patterns in the malachite sunbird, Cape white-eye, and fantailed widowbird. Animal Behaviour 77: 61-66.
29. Tennent, J.K. & Downs, C.T. 2008. Abundance, home range and behaviour of feral cats in an urban conservancy where there is supplemental feeding: a case study. African Zoology 43: 218-229.
30. Bush, N.G., Brown, M. & Downs, C.T. 2008. Effects Of Short-Term Acclimation On Thermoregulatory Responses Of The Rock Kestrel, Falco rupicolus. Journal of Thermal Biology 33: 425-430.
31. Bush, N.G., Brown, M. & Downs, C.T. 2008. Seasonal Effects On Thermoregulatory Responses Of The Rock Kestrel, Falco rupicolis. Journal of Thermal Biology 33: 404-412.
32. Brown, M., Downs, C.T. & Johnson, S.D. 2008. Sugar preferences of nectar feeding birds- a comparison of experimental techniques. Journal of Avian Biology 39: 479-483.
33. Burton, S., Perrin, M.R. & Downs, C.T. 2008. Thermal Biology of African Lovebirds and Australian Grass Parakeets. Journal of Thermal Biology 33: 355-362.
34. McMaster, M.K. & Downs, C.T. 2008. Digestive Parameters and Water Turnover of the Leopard Tortoise. Comparative Biochemistry and Physiology Part A 151: 114-125.
35. Bowker, M.B. & Downs, C.T. 2008. Fluctuations in numbers of great white pelicans at Lake St Lucia in response to changing water-levels. African Journal of Ecology 46: 282-290.
36. Potgieter, D., Brown, M., & Downs, C.T. 2008. Is commercial Protea farming causing a change in the seasonal range of Gurney’s Sugarbird Promerops gurneyi, in the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands, South Africa? Ostrich 79: 61-66
37. Downs, C.T. 2008. Aspects of diet choice and digestion in the Dark-capped Bulbul Pycnonotus barbatus. Ostrich 79: 73-78.
38. Bowker, M.B. & Downs, C.T. 2008. The status of habitat of Great White and Pink-backed Pelicans in north eastern KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa: a review. African Zoology 43: 90-98.
39. Bowker, M.B. & Downs C.T. 2008. Breeding incidence of the Great White Pelican Pelecanus onocrotalus and the Pink-backed Pelican P. rufescens in south eastern Africa from 1933 to 2005. Ostrich 79: 23-35.
40. Downs, C.T., Greaver, C., & Taylor R. 2008. Body temperature and basking behaviour of Nile crocodiles (Crocodylus niloticus) during winter. Journal of Thermal Biology 33: 185-192.
41. Smit, B., Brown, M. & Downs, C.T. 2008. Thermoregulatory responses in seasonally acclimatized captive Southern White-faced Scops-owls. Journal of Thermal Biology 33: 76-86.
42. Inglis, M., Kirkwood, T., Downs, C.T. & Parkinson, J. 2007. Writing their way into Science: gaining access to the discourse of Biology. Journal for Language Teaching 41: 83-98.
43. Coates, G. & Downs, C.T. 2007. Population estimates of bushbuck (Tragelaphus scriptus) in valley thicket and coastal bushveld-grassland habitat. South African Journal of Wildlife Research 37: 91-95.
44. Kirby, N.F. & Downs, C.T. 2007. Self-Assessment and the Science Foundation Programme student. Potential for encouraging self-regulated learning? Assessment and Evaluation in Higher Education 32: 475-494.
45. Brown, K. & Downs, C.T. 2007. Basking behaviour in rock hyrax (Procavia capensis) during winter. African Zoology 42:70-79.
46. Coates, G. & Downs, C.T. 2006. A preliminary study of valley thicket and coastal bushveld-grassland habitat use during summer by bushbuck (Tragelaphus scriptus): a telemetry based study. South African Journal of Wildlife Research 36: 167-172.
47. McMaster, M. & Downs, C.T. 2006 Population structure and density of Leopard Tortoises (Geochelone pardalis) on farmland in the Nama-Karoo. Journal of Herpetology 40: 497-503.
48. Pain, D.J., Martins, T.L.F., Boussekey, M., Diaz, S.H., Downs, C.T., Ekstrom, J.M.M., Garnett, S., Gilardi, J.D., McNiven, D., Primot, P. Rouys, S., Saoumoé, M., Symes, C.T., Tamungang, S.A., Theuerkauf, J., Villafuerte, D., Verfailles, L., Widmann, P. & Widmann, I.D. 2006. The impact of protection on nest-take and nesting success of parrots in Africa, Asia and Australasia. Animal Conservation 9: 332-330.
49. Downs, C.T. 2006. Geophagy in the African Olive Pigeon Columba arquatrix. Ostrich 77: 40-44.
50. Brown, K. & Downs, C.T. 2006. Seasonal patterns of body temperature of free-living rock hyrax (Procavia capensis). Comparative Biochemistry and Physiology 143: 42-49
51. McMaster, M. & Downs, C.T. 2006. Does seasonal and behavioral differences in the use of refuges by the leopard tortoise (Geochelone pardalis) favour passive thermoregulation? Herpetologica 62: 37-46.
52. Downs, C.T. 2006. What should make up a final mark for a course? An investigation into the academic performance of first year Bioscience students. Assessment and Evaluation in Higher Education 31: 345-364.
53. Downs, C.T. 2005. Is A Year-Long Access Course Into University Helping Previously Disadvantaged Black Students In Biology? South African Journal of Higher Education 19:666-683.
54. Coates, G. & Downs, C.T. 2005. A survey of the status and management of syntopic bushbuck and nyala in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. South African Journal of Wildlife Research 35 (2):179-190.
55. Soobramoney, S., Downs, C.T.& Adams, N.J. 2005. Morphological variation in the Common Fiscal Shrike Lanius collaris along an altitudinal gradient in southern Africa. Ostrich 76 (3&4): 130-141.
56. Downs, C.T. 2005. Artificial nest boxes and wild Cape Parrots Poicephalus robustus: persistence pays off. Ostrich 76 (3&4): 222-224
57. Coates, G. & Downs, C.T. 2005. A telemetry based study of bushbuck (Tragelaphus scriptus) home range in Valley Bushveld. African Journal of Ecology 43:376-384.
58. Soobramoney, S., Campbell, G.K., Downs, C.T.& Adams, N.J. 2005. Genetic variability of South African Fiscal Shrikes Lanius collaris across an altitudinal gradient in South Africa. African Zoology 40: 193-204.
59. Downs, C.T. 2005. Abundance of the endangered Cape Parrot, Poicephalus robustus, in South Africa: the implications for its survival. African Zoology 40: 15-24.
60. Brown, K. & Downs, C.T. 2005. Seasonal behavioural patterns of free-living rock hyrax (Procavia capensis). Journal of Zoology 265:311-326
61. Symes, CT, Brown, M, Warburton, L., Perrin, MR and Downs, CT. 2004. Observations of Cape Parrot Poicephalus robustus nesting in the wild. Ostrich 75:106-109.
62. Downs, C.T. 2004. Some preliminary results of studies on the bill and tongue morphology of Gurney's Sugarbird and some southern African sunbirds. Ostrich 75: 169-175.
63. Downs, C.T. & Symes, C.T. 2004. Snag dynamics and forest structure in Afromontane forests in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa: implications for the conservation of cavity-nesting avifauna. South African Journal of Botany 70: 265-276.
64. Soobramoney, S., Downs, C.T. & Adams, N.J. 2004. Variability in foraging behaviour and prey of the Fiscal Shrike Lanius collaris along an altitudinal gradient in South Africa. Ostrich 75: 133-140.
65. Soobramoney, S., Downs, C.T. & Adams, N.J. 2004. Territorial behaviour and time budgets of the Fiscal Shrike Lanius collaris along an altitudinal gradient in South Africa. African Zoology 39:137-143.
66. Brown, M. & Downs, C.T. 2004. Daily and seasonal differences in body and egg temperatures in free-ranging Crowned Lapwings (Vanellus coronatus). African Zoology 39:115-122.
67. Soobramoney, S., Downs, C.T. & Adams, N.J. 2003. Physiological variability in the Fiscal Shrike Lanius collaris along an altitudinal gradient in South Africa. Journal of Thermal Biology 28:581-594.
68. Calf, K.M., Downs, C.T. & Cherry, M.I. 2003. Territoriality of Cape Sugarbirds (Promerops cafer) between and within seasons. Ostrich 74:125-128.
69. Downs, C.T., McDonald, P., Brown, K. & Ward, D. 2003. The effects of Acacia condensed tannins on urinary parameters, body mass and diet choice of an Acacia specialist rodent, Thallomys nigricauda. Journal of Chemical Ecology 29: 827-840.
70. Calf, K.M., Downs, C.T. & Cherry, M.I. 2003. Foraging and territorial behaviour of male Cape and Gurney's sugarbirds (Promerops cafer and Promerops gurneyi). African Zoology 38:297-304
71. Brown, K.J. & Downs, C.T. 2003. Digestive Efficiency of a generalist avian feeder, the Cape White-eye (Zosterops pallidus). Comparative Biochemistry & Physiology A 134: 739-749.
72. Calf, K.M., Downs, C.T. & Cherry, M.I. 2003. Territoriality and breeding success in the Cape Sugarbird (Promerops cafer). Emu 103:29-35
73. Brown, M. & Downs, C.T. 2003. The role of shading behavior in the thermoregulation of breeding Crowned Plovers (Vanellus coronatus). Journal of Thermal Biology 28: 51-58.
74. Symes, C.T. & Downs, C.T. 2002. Occurrence of Cape Parrot Poicephalus robustus at non-forest feeding sites in South Africa: threats to a declining population. Bulletin of the African Bird Club 9: 27-31.
75. Mbatha, K.R., Downs, C.T. & Penning, M. 2002 Nectar passage and gut morphology in the Malachite Sunbird and the Black-capped Lory: implications for feeding in nectarivores. Ostrich 73: 138-142.
76. Symes, C.T., Wirminghaus, J.O., & Downs, C.T. 2002. Species richness and seasonality of forest avifauna in three South African afromontane forests. Ostrich 73: 106-113.
77. Downs, C.T., Van Dyk, R. & Iji, P. 2002. Wax digestion in the Lesser Honeyguide Indicator minor. Comparative Biochemistry & Physiology A 133: 125-134.
78. Mbatha, K.R., Downs, C.T., & Nsahlai, I.V. 2002. The effects of graded levels of dietary tannin on the epithelial tissue of the gastrointestinal tract, liver and kidney masses of Boer goats. Animal Science (British) 74:579-586.
79. Byron, J. & Downs, C.T. 2002. Bird presence at Oribi Airport and Recommendations to avoid bird strikes. South African Journal of Wildlife Research 32: 49-58.
80. Wirminghaus, J.O., Downs, C.T., Symes, C.T. & Perrin, M.R. 2002. Diet of the Cape Parrot, Poicephalus robustus, in Afromontane forests in
KwaZulu- Natal, South Africa. Ostrich 73: 20-25.
81. Calf, K.M. & Downs, C.T. 2002. Breeding biology of the Gurney's sugarbird, Promerops gurneyi in Qwaqwa National Park, eastern Free State. Ostrich 73: 1-4.
82. Downs, C.T. & Brown, M. 2002. Nocturnal Heterothermy And Torpor In The Malachite Sunbird (Nectarinia famosa, Passeriformes). Auk 119: 251-260.
83. Wirminghaus, J.O., Downs, C.T.Perrin, M.R.& Symes, C.T. 2002.Taxonomic relationships of the subspecies of the Cape Parrot Poicephalus robustus (Gmelin). Journal of Natural History 36: 361-378.
84. Brown, M. & Downs, C.T. 2002. Development of Homeothermy in Hatchling Crowned Plovers Vanellus coronatus. Journal of Thermal Biology 27:95-101.
85. Feltham, N.F. & Downs, C.T. 2002. Three forms of assessment of prior knowledge, and improved performance following an enrichment programme, of English second Language Biology students within the context of a marine theme. International Journal of Science Education 24: 157-184.
86. Calf, K.M., Downs, C.T. & Cherry, M.I. 2001. Territoriality and breeding success in Gurney's Sugarbirds (Promerops gurneyi). African Zoology 36: 189-195.
87. Wirminghaus, J.O., Downs, C.T., Symes, C.T. & Perrin, M.R. 2001. Breeding biology of the Cape Parrot Poicephalus robustus. Ostrich 72: 159-164.
88. Wirminghaus, J.O., Downs, C.T., Symes, C.T. & Perrin, M.R. 2001. Fruiting in Two Afromontane Forests in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa: the Habitat Type of the Endangered Cape Parrot Poicephalus robustus South African Journal of Botany 67: 329-336
89. Daniels, C., Downs, C.T. & Maclean, G.L. 2001. Arthropods in the diet of nectarivorous birds (Passeriformes: Nectariniidae) and sugarbirds (Passeriformes: Promeropidae). Durban Museum Novitates 26: 45-48.
90. Symes, C.T. & Downs, C.T. 2001. Feeding and energy intake in two avian frugivores, the Blackeyed Bulbul Pycnonotus barbartus and Speckled Mousebird Colius striatus. Durban Museum Novitates 26: 20-24.
91. Haim. A., Downs, C.T., & Raman, J. 2001. Effects of adrengenic blockade on the daily rhythms of body temperature and oxygen consumption the Black-tailed Tree Rat (Thallomys nigricauda) maintained under different photoperiods. Journal of Thermal Biology 26: 171-177
92. Downs, C.T., Drummond, A.E., Akhurst, E.G.J. & Inglis, M. 2001. The Marine theme: a contribution to learning in second language Biology students. South African Journal of Education 21: 48-54.
93. Wirminghaus, J.O., Downs, C.T., Symes, C.T. & Perrin, M.R. 2001. Abundance and activity patterns of the Cape Parrot (Poicephalus robustus) in two afromontane forests in South Africa. African Zoology 36: 71-77
94. Symes, C.T., Downs, C.T. & McLean, S. 2001. Seasonal occurrence of the Malachite Sunbird Nectarina famosa and Gurney’s Sugarbird Promerops gurneyi in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. Ostrich 72: 45-49.
95. Wirminghaus, J.O., Downs, C.T., Symes, C.T. & Perrin, M.R. 2000. Abundance of the Cape Parrot in South Africa. South African Journal of Wildlife Research 30: 43-52.
96. Wirminghaus, J.O., Downs, C.T., Symes, C.T., Perrin, M.R. & Dempster, E.R. 2000. Vocalisations and behaviours of the Cape Parrot Poicephalus robustus (Psittaciformes: Psittacidae). Durban Museum Novitates 25: 12-17.
97. Downs, C.T., Wirminghaus, J.O. & Lawes, M. 2000. Anatomical and nutritional adaptations of the Speckled Mousebird (Colius striatus). Auk 117(3): 791-794.
98. Downs, C.T. 2000. Ingestion patterns and daily energy intake on a sugary diet: the Red Lory (Eos bornea) and the Malachite Sunbird (Nectarinia famosa). Ibis 142: 359-364.
99. Wirminghaus, J.O., Downs, C.T., Symes, C.T. & Perrin, M.R. 1999. Conservation of the Cape Parrot in southern Africa. South African Journal of Wildlife Research 29:118-129.
100. Perrin, M.R., Dempster, E.R., Downs, C.T. & Boyer, D.C.. 1999. Gerbillurus tytonis. Mammalian Species. American Society of Mammalogists. 607:1-4.
101. Perrin, M.R., Dempster, E.R. & Downs, C.T. 1999. Gerbillurus paeba. Mammalian Species. American Society of Mammalogists. 606: 1-6.
102. Dempster, E.R., Perrin, M.R., & Downs, C.T., 1999. Gerbillurus vallinus. Mammalian Species. American Society of Mammalogists. 605: 1-4.
103. Dempster, E.R., Perrin, M.R., Downs, C.T., & Griffen, M., 1998. Gerbillurus setzeri. Mammalian Species. American Society of Mammalogists. 598: 1-4.
104. Frean, J., Downs, C.T. & Lovegrove, B. 1998. Osmoregulatory capacity of an arboreal desert rodent (Thallomys nigricauda): Adaptations to high temperatures. Journal of Arid Environments 40: 97-107.
105. Downs, C.T. 1997. Sugar preference and apparent sugar assimilation in the Red Lory. Australian Journal of Zoology 45: 613-619.
106. Downs, C.T. & Ward, D. 1997. Does shading behaviour of incubating shorebirds in hot environments cool the eggs or the adults? Auk 114: 717-724.
107. Downs, C.T. & Wirminghaus, J.O.W. 1997. The terrestrial vertebrates of the Bazaruto archipelago, Mozambique: a biogeographic perspective. Journal of Biogeography 24: 591-602.
108. Downs, C.T. 1997. Sugar digestion efficiencies of Gurney's Sugarbirds, Malachite sunbirds and Black Sunbirds. Physiological Zoology 70 (1):93-99.
109. Downs, C.T. 1996. Renal structure, and the effect of an insectivorous diet on urine composition of southern African elephant-shrew species (Macroscelidea). Mammalia 60:577-589.
110. Downs, C.T. & Perrin, M.R. 1996. The thermal biology of southern Africa's smallest rodent, Mus minutoides. South African Journal of Science 92: 282-284.
111. Downs, C.T. & Perrin, M.R. 1996. Sugar preferences of some southern african nectarivorous birds. Ibis 138: 455-459.
112. Downs, C.T. & Perrin, M.R. 1995. The thermal biology of three southern African elephant-shrews. Journal of Thermal Biology 20: 445-450.
113. Downs, C.T. & Perrin, M.R. 1995. The thermal biology of the white-tailed rat Mystromys albicaudatus, a cricetine relic in southern temperate African grassland. Comparative Biochemistry & Physiology 110A: 65-69.
114. Downs, C.T. & Perrin, M.R. 1994. Comparative aspects of the thermal biology of the short-tailed gerbil, Desmodillus auricularis, and the bushveld gerbil, Tatera leucogaster. Journal of Thermal Biology 19: 385-392.
115. Perrin, M.R. & Downs, C.T. 1994. Comparative aspects of the thermal biology of the Cape spiny mouse, Acomys subspinosus and the Common spiny mouse, A. spinosissimus. Israel Journal of Zoology 40: 151-160.
116. Downs, C.T., Bowland, J.M., Bowland, A.E. & Perrin M.R. 1991. Thermal parameters of serval Felis serval (Felidae) and blackbacked jackal Canis mesomelas (Canidae). Journal of Thermal Biology 16: 277-279.
117. Downs, C.T. & Perrin M.R. 1991. Physiological adjustments to low temperatures of four Gerbillurus species. Journal of Thermal Biology 16: 25-29.
118. Downs, C.T. & Perrin, M.R. 1991. Urinary concentrating ability of four Gerbillurus species of southern African arid regions. Journal of Arid Environments 20: 71-81.
119. Downs, C.T. & Perrin, M.R. 1990. Thermal parameters of four Gerbillurus species. Journal of Thermal Biology 15: 291-300.
120. Downs, C.T. & Perrin, M.R. 1990. Field water-turnover rates of three Gerbillurus species. Journal of Arid Environments 19: 199-208.
121. Downs, C.T. & Perrin, M.R. 1990. The effect of diet on the water and energy turnover rates of Four Gerbillurus in captivity. Journal of Zoology (London) 222: 215-233.
122. Downs, C.T. & Perrin, M.R. 1989. An investigation of the macro‑ and micro-environments of four Gerbillurus species. Cimbebasia 11: 41‑54.
