8 animals that ‘hibernate' in the summer
When we think of hibernation, we usually picture animals sleeping through the winter to escape the harsh cold. But did you know that some animals hibernate during the summer as well?
This phenomenon, called aestivation (or estivation), is a survival strategy various species use to avoid extreme heat, drought, or food scarcity. Like winter hibernation, aestivation helps animals slow their metabolism and conserve energy until conditions improve.
This strategy becomes crucial in dry or desert regions, where water and food are scarce during summer. Some key reasons why animals aestivate include:
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.
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.
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.
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.
Certain amphibians, like the spotted salamander, aestivate when ponds or streams dry out. They burrow underground and stay dormant until conditions become favorable again.
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.
While most hedgehogs hibernate in winter, some species aestivate in extremely hot regions to avoid dehydration and heat stress.
Even earthworms aestivate when soil becomes too dry. They burrow deeper into the ground, wrapping themselves in a protective mucus layer to retain moisture.
While both hibernation and estivation involve a state of dormancy, they occur in different seasons and for different reasons:
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Mammoths were generally covered in thick, shaggy fur to survive Ice Age cold, while elephants have sparse hair suited for warmer climates. Mammoths had long, curved tusks that spiraled more dramatically than elephants' straighter tusks. Their bodies were stockier with a hump of fat on their backs for insulation. In contrast, elephants have larger ears, especially African elephants, which help regulate body temperature. Both species have trunks and large, sturdy legs but mammoths were built to endure freezing conditions, whereas elephants are adapted to tropical and savanna environments. Species and classification Mammoths and elephants both belong to the family Elephantidae, making them close relatives. Mammoths fall under the genus Mammuthus, with the most famous species being the woolly mammoth, which lived during the Ice Age. In contrast, modern elephants belong to the genus Elephas which are Asian elephants and Loxodonta which are African elephants. 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Conservation efforts focus on protecting elephant habitats, enforcing anti-poaching laws and supporting breeding programs to prevent their decline. While mammoths are gone, the survival of elephants depends heavily on global conservation actions to ensure these majestic creatures do not face the same fate. Evolutionary relationship Mammoths and elephants share a common ancestor and belong to the same family that is Elephantidae. Their evolutionary paths diverged millions of years ago, with mammoths adapting to cold Ice Age environments while elephants evolved to thrive in warmer climates. Despite differences in appearance and habitat, their genetic makeup remains closely related. Modern elephants are considered the closest living relatives of mammoths. Advances in DNA analysis have even allowed scientists to study mammoth genes, offering insights into how these species evolved and adapted to their environments over time. Cultural and historical significance Mammoths have fascinated humans for thousands of years, appearing in prehistoric cave paintings and ancient tools made from their bones and tusks. They played a key role in Ice Age cultures as a source of food, materials, and inspiration. Elephants have held cultural importance across many civilizations- symbolizing strength, wisdom and royalty in cultures from Africa to Asia. They feature prominently in religious ceremonies, folklore and art. Historically, elephants were also used in warfare and labor. Both animals continue to influence human culture, reminding us of the deep connections between wildlife and human history. Adaptations Mammoths were well adapted to cold Ice Age environments with thick, shaggy fur and a dense layer of fat to keep warm. Their long and curved tusks helped them dig through snow to reach vegetation. They also had smaller ears compared to elephants, reducing heat loss. 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