Surviving in extreme heat is no easy feat, yet certain animals have adapted remarkably to thrive in the harshest climates on Earth. Whether it’s the scorching deserts or arid savannas, these creatures have evolved unique ways to cope with high temperatures. From conserving water to developing heat-resistant bodies, they manage what many others can’t.
But what challenges do these animals face every day? Heat stress, dehydration, and the lack of shade are just the beginning. Many species must navigate their environment carefully to avoid overheating or falling prey while seeking shelter.
Did you know that the Saharan silver ant can withstand surface temperatures up to 158°F (70°C)? This is just one example of incredible survival strategies. If you’re curious about how other animals beat the heat, you’re in the right place. In this article, we’ll explore these animal’s adaptations and what we can learn from them.
Armadillos
Armadillos live in hot climates, usually close to a water source. Armadillos have a very low metabolism and so do not store much fat in their body as a result. Therefore, they need to live in hot climates in order to survive.
However, they do not like it when it gets too hot. So, during these hours, they will sleep and then wake up when it is cooler, thus making them nocturnal.
Armadillos have bad eyesight but are very skilled at digging. They can carve burrows to protect themselves from both predators and heat. Some of us love hot climates, and some of us prefer the cold breeze of winter.
But, did you know that there are animals who love the hot weather too? Some have evolved to be able to survive in the heat, while some simply thrive in it.
In this article, we will take a closer look at the animals that live in hot climates. So, if you’re interested, read on for more!
Ostrich
The ostrich is a flightless bird native to Africa. They use thermoregulation techniques in order to maintain a consistent body temperature.
For example, they will use its plumage to cover its skin from the sun. Not only that, but ostriches stay hydrated through the water of the plants that they eat – they do not need to drink water directly!
Rhinoceroses
Rhinoceroses, known more commonly as “rhinos” are also a type of animal that lives (see also: Ten Types Of Animals That Live In Mexico) in a hot climate. Rhinos have facial horns and thick, mostly hairless bodies to help them fight the heat. Their horns also protect them from other mammals.
There are five species of rhino in the world, two live in sub-Saharan Africa and three live in Asia. Each of the five species have developed their own way of adapting to their respective environments.
For example, smaller species of rhinos like to stay in forests, while bigger species will live in open environments. Rhinos are typically herbivores and like to eat various fruits, leaves, trees, shrubs, and grasses. –
Camels
First on our list of animals that live in hot climates are camels! Camels live in dry and hot deserts all over the world, where temperatures during the day are very high, but temperatures at night are very low.
Armadillos like to eat insects, and they will find them by using their long tongues to fish them out of their tunnels.
Dorcas Gazelle
The Dorcas Gazelle is a type of antelope that lives in North Africa. It does not need to drink water at all, and never needs to urinate – it has everything it needs to survive from the food in its diet. Although, it will drink water from time to time when found.
The Dorcas gazelle can survive in very high temperatures. However, when the heat gets too extreme, it will only be active during the night until sunrise.
Dorcas gazelles like to eat fruit, branches, and leaves. They will also eat flowers, leaves, and pods from many kinds of Acacia trees.
They can survive very harsh temperatures through their water intake, having the ability to drink a large volume of water in mere minutes.
Wild asses like to stay under shelter during the hottest parts of the day and are most active during the night when it is cooler.
Jerboa
The Jerboa looks a lot like a combination of a kangaroo and a mouse. You can usually find them in the Asian and African deserts.
Jerboas have long hind legs that help them to move efficiently and are able to dig in sand quickly, which provides a lot of protection from the heat. Jerboas can survive without water because they get plenty of moisture from the vegetation and insects that it feeds from.
Ruppell’s Fox
You can find the Ruppell’s fox in many deserts of the Middle East and North Africa. It has adapted to be able to survive in some of the harshest heats on the planet and is excellent at living in these high temperatures.
Ruppell’s fox has furred feet, meaning the sand while not scorch it as it is walking. Not only that, but its body can preserve water well.
Ruppell’s foxes have slow metabolisms and small bodies, which means it uses less energy throughout the day and thus can survive in the heat for longer.
Ruppell’s foxes do not like to hunt during the day. They like to hunt at night, and their diet primarily consists of birds, lizards, insects, beetles, and small mammals. They are omnivores, so they also like to eat dates and grass.
Fennec Foxes
Fennec foxes are small mammals native to the Sahara Desert. Their large ears, which can reach six inches, help release body heat and detect prey hidden underground. They have a thick, light-colored coat that reflects sunlight and provides warmth at night.
As primarily nocturnal animals, they stay in burrows during the day to avoid the intense desert heat. Fennec foxes can survive without free-standing water, extracting moisture from their diet and using kidneys specialized in conserving water.
Dung Beetles
Dung beetles thrive in hot climates by using creative adaptations. They roll dung into balls, not only for food but also to create a mobile shelter from the scorching ground. This behavior helps regulate their body temperature in extreme conditions.
Found in deserts and savannahs, these beetles contribute significantly to the ecosystem by recycling nutrients and aerating the soil. Their ability to work efficiently in high temperatures stems from specialized thermal adaptations, allowing them to live in demanding environments.
Mexican Coyotes
Mexican coyotes are highly adaptable canids inhabiting North America, including deserts. Their thin, flame-colored fur provides camouflage and helps manage heat.
These omnivores feed on a wide range of food, including small mammals and fruits, enabling them to survive in various conditions. They hunt primarily at night, reducing exposure to the desert’s daytime heat.
Mexican coyotes have become so adaptable that they can thrive even in urban areas, coexisting with humans in cities.
Sidewinder Snakes
Sidewinder snakes, found in desert regions such as Death Valley, have unique movement patterns to survive in hot climates. Their sidewinding motion minimizes their contact with the hot sand, which reduces heat absorption.
Specialized scales over their eyes protect against sand and the sun’s glare. As ambush predators, sidewinders blend into their environment, waiting for prey. Their nocturnal nature also helps them avoid the peak daytime heat in the desert.
Thorny Devil Lizard
Native to Australia’s deserts, the Thorny Devil lizard has developed impressive adaptations to survive extreme heat and water scarcity. Its spiny skin provides both camouflage and protection from predators.
This lizard uses grooves between its scales to channel water, such as dew, to its mouth for hydration. Primarily active during the day, the Thorny Devil feeds on ants, consuming large numbers to meet its energy needs.
Its ability to blend into its environment makes it well-suited for harsh desert life.
FAQs
What animals live in hotter climates?
Animals that thrive in hotter climates include camels, armadillos, ostriches, rhinoceroses, Dorcas gazelles, Ruppell’s foxes, African wild asses, and jerboas. These animals have developed unique adaptations to cope with extreme heat, such as fat storage, efficient water usage, and nocturnal habits.
What animal lives in the hot desert?
Camels are iconic desert dwellers, perfectly adapted to survive in hot, arid conditions. They store fat in their humps, lose minimal water through sweat, and have specialized feet for walking on sand. Other desert inhabitants include the jerboa, Ruppell’s fox, and the African wild ass.
How do animals survive in extreme heat?
Animals survive extreme heat through various adaptations such as nocturnal behavior, specialized body parts for heat regulation, and efficient water use. For instance, ostriches use their plumage for shade, while camels can store fat in their humps for energy.
What adaptations help animals live in hot climates?
Adaptations include storing fat (camels), having thick or specialized skin for temperature regulation (rhinoceroses, Ruppell’s fox), obtaining moisture from food (jerboas), and changing activity patterns to cooler times (armadillos, Dorcas gazelles). These adaptations are crucial for their survival.
Final Thoughts
There are many different kinds of animals that like to live in hot climates all over the world. These animals have very different techniques and adaptations for surviving in the hot weather.
For example, wild asses can lose a lot of water and survive, because they can drink large volumes of it within minutes. Meanwhile, animals like jerboas and ostriches find all the water they need to survive from the food in their diets, and do not need to drink it at all!
We hope you enjoyed learning about the different kinds of animals that live in hot climates.
Hi, I’m Olivia Kepner and I am a zookeeper here in San Diego. Since I was a young girl I have always been fascinated by animals and species across the globe.
I used to beg my parents to take me to our local zoo every single weekend. Well, I say local – it was more like a two hour drive away. But they took me as much as they could, allowing me to fall in love with the animals again and again.
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