Abstract: In this study, the effect of different temperatures on locomotor performance and antioxidant enzyme activities inEremias roborowskiiwas investigated. Our results indicated that there was a significant positive correlation between the body temperature and cloaca temperature inE. roborowskii, and both of them increased with the rising ambient temperature. Compared with the control group, the elevated temperature significantly increased the sprint speed and the length of continuous locomotion, while the pause frequency significantly decreased. The high-temperature group exhibited greater locomotor activity, with a significant positive correlation between environmental temperature and maximum sprint speed. Furthermore, high temperatures induced oxidative stress inE. roborowskii, resulting in a marked increase in hepatic malondialdehyde levels and significant upregulation of catalase and glutathione peroxidase activities. Peroxidase activity showed an increasing trend, while superoxide dismutase activity declined.E. roborowskiidemonstrated a certain capacity to adapt to short-term warming, but the frequency and intensity of extreme heat events might increase due to global warming, excessive temperatures could exacerbate heat stress and oxidative damage, potentially threatening their survival. This study provides an important foundation to the physiological and ecological research of extreme desert animals, offering theoretical data for the adaptation mechanism ofEremias roborowskiito extreme environment under global warming.

Key words: Eremias roborowskii, temperature, locomotor performance, oxidative stress, antioxidant enzymes