When most people hear “hibernation,” they imagine animals sleeping through the cold winter months to survive harsh conditions. However, some animals actually hibernate in the summer too.
This process, known as aestivation (or estivation), is a survival tactic used by various species to cope with intense heat, drought, or limited food supply. Similar to winter hibernation, aestivation allows animals to reduce their metabolic rate and save energy until the environment becomes more favorable.
This strategy becomes crucial in dry or desert regions, where water and food are scarce during summer. Some key reasons why animals aestivate include:
- Protection from extreme heat – Avoid overheating in harsh climates.
- Water conservation – Reduce dehydration risks in dry environments.
- Food scarcity – Avoid starvation when food sources become scarce.
- Energy preservation – Minimize movement to save energy during tough seasons.
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8 Summer Aestivators: Animals That Sleep Through the Heat
1. African Lungfish
One of the most famous aestivators, the African lungfish, survives extreme droughts by burying itself in mud and secreting a protective mucus cocoon. It can remain in this state for up to four years until rains return and refill the water bodies.
2. Desert Tortoise
Native to North America’s arid regions, the desert tortoise aestivates to escape the scorching desert heat. It digs burrows and remains inactive until the cooler months arrive, conserving water and energy.
3. Snails
Many species of land snails, including the Roman snail, aestivate by sealing themselves inside their shells with a mucus layer to prevent water loss. This helps them survive dry summers in Mediterranean and desert climates.
4. Crocodiles
Some crocodile species, like the Australian freshwater crocodile, aestivate by digging into riverbanks or burrowing in mud when water sources dry up. They remain inactive until the rainy season replenishes their habitat.
5. Salamanders
Certain amphibians, like the spotted salamander, aestivate when ponds or streams dry out. They burrow underground and stay dormant until conditions become favorable again.
6. Frogs (Like the Couch’s Spadefoot Toad)
Frogs, especially those living in desert regions, aestivate to survive long dry periods. The Couch’s spadefoot toad buries itself in the soil and remains dormant for months until rain triggers its reawakening.
7. Hedgehogs (Certain Species)
While most hedgehogs hibernate in winter, some species aestivate in extremely hot regions to avoid dehydration and heat stress.
8. Earthworms
Even earthworms aestivate when soil becomes too dry. They burrow deeper into the ground, wrapping themselves in a protective mucus layer to retain moisture.
