Small mammals are particularly vulnerable to increasing ambient heat loads and reduced food and water availability associated with climate change, given their high mass-specific metabolism, low thermal inertia, rapid water loss rate, and limited ability to store food and water. To better understand the mechanisms underlying this vulnerability, we implanted core body temperature and activity data loggers into meerkats (Suricata suricatta) and Cape ground squirrels (Xerus inauris), both of which are diurnal, and yellow mongooses (Cynictis penicillata), which exhibit some nocturnality, in the Kalahari of South Africa. We observed the behaviour of these habituated animals for one year while measuring black globe, air and burrow temperatures, solar radiation, wind, and rainfall. We also used infrared thermography to understand how surface body temperature relates to behaviour and core body temperature. Preliminary analyses indicate that animals avoided heat by retreating to shade and burrows, and responded to cold by shortening their active period and basking in the morning sun. These behavioural strategies may limit foraging time to replenish food and water. Our further analyses will assess the seasonal shifts in activity patterns and compare core body temperature patterns of all three species alongside their thermoregulatory behavioural strategies. We will also investigate the effects of reproductive behaviour and physiology (dispersal in males and pregnancy/lactation in females) on core body temperature. These findings will help us understand how small mammals in dryland environments respond to ongoing climate change and inform appropriate mitigation and conservation strategies.