In their natural habitats, animals are often subject to the seasonal changes that occur in these ecosystems, which, in some cases, become considerably extreme. In this sense, depending on the time of year, there are, for example, variations in temperatures and water cycles, which have repercussions on all the living beings that inhabit the place. In this way, the thermal variations and the absence of both water and food must be regulated or compensated in some way. This is how animals have developed strategies to survive under these conditions that are repeated year after year.
In this article on our site we want to explain what brumation is, one of those adaptation processes that some species use to cope with certain environmental conditions such as those mentioned.
What is brumation?
Brumation is a state of sluggishness, sometimes also considered a type of dormancy, in which the metabolism slows down. It is used by certain animals to cope with the drops in temperature that occur in their habitat.
There are animals called 'ectotherms', in which body temperature is not controlled and maintained by the body's metabolic processes, but rather depends on external conditions. In this sense, when temperatures decrease, these animals are exposed to them and, by not being able to warm up due to environmental conditions, their body is affected because there is no external source of heat that is optimal enough to allow it to generate a thermal increase. of the body. In this way, the ectothermic animals have developed behaviors to be able to regulate their body temperature and ensure that physiological processes are carried out optimally. This is how, for example, desert lizards, which are ectothermic animals, move according to solar radiation during the day. In the early hours, they flatten themselves against the ground to absorb the initial heat of the morning, then, when the temperature rises, they get up and change places to avoid excess heat. Each ectothermic species makes the necessary adjustments during the day to regulate its body temperature according to its needs and what it is capable of withstanding, since there are even differences between these types of animals. For example, a desert iguana in the United States can tolerate elevations of up to 47ºC, which would be lethal to other reptile species.
So, if ectothermic animals need the external temperature to warm up, what about those that live in ecosystems where there are seasonal decreases in temperature? This is where many species have developed a strategy such as brumation, through which they minimize their metabolic activity to reduce energy expenditure and thermoregulate.
Difference between brumation and hibernation
Brumation is a different process than hibernation. Brumation can occur in both reptiles and amphibians and, although there is a decrease in the animal's metabolic processes, it is not fully in a state of deep sleep and continues to require a minimum consumption of water if it is in the terrestrial environment and, if possible, of food, which will depend on its availability. In the case of certain reptiles, for example, if they do not consume any food, they use lipid reserves while they are in this state of torpor.
On the other hand, the process of hibernation occurs in certain mammals and is a state of prolonged and controlled sleep in which the temperature decreases and physiological processes to the maximum, to the point that the animal does not need to consume water or food while it is totally asleep, since it survives from the reserves it has accumulated. Don't miss this other article where we explain in depth What hibernation is.
Once the difference between the two processes is known, if you wonder why amphibians hibernate, the answer is that they don't hibernate, they brumate and they do so to guarantee their survival when the climatic conditions are not suitable.
How long does brumation last?
Brumation is a process that can change from one species to another and depends on aspects such as the age and conditions of the animal. Likewise, the duration of brumation also varies in each species, since it will depend on the period in which low temperatures are maintained. In this sense, brumation can last r from three to five or six months Once the temperature rise begins, the animal comes out of this state of lethargy.
Examples of brumation
As we have mentioned, brumation is a process that occurs in reptiles and amphibians exposed to temperature drop in their natural habitat. Let's get to know below examples of animals that mist:
Red-eared slider (Trachemys scripta)
Brumation in turtles is quite common and, to talk about it, we will take the red-eared slider as an example. This species of tortoise is native to the United States and Mexico, although it has been introduced to other regions. It has semi-aquatic habits in freshwater bodies, it tends to be very active and constantly basks in the sun in order to warm up.
Its optimum level is estimated to be around 28 ºC, but when water temperatures drop between 10-15 ºC, this turtle enters a state of brumation, since, as we have seen, it requires higher values. When she enters this state, her metabolism drops and she becomes lethargic. This process can be carried out both underwater and in burrows. Once the thermal ascent begins, their metabolism begins to reactivate, so they are mobilized to eat, since they suppress feeding during the process.
Ruibal's Tree Iguana (Liolaemus ruibali)
This is a species native to Argentina that grows in areas of the foothills and the Andean mountain range itself in some provinces of the country. It usually basks in the sun or hides in burrows to thermoregulate. When temperatures drop, it enters a state of brumation.
Common Garter Snake (Thamnophis sirtalis)
Different species of snakes can also carry out brumation and we will see how with this example. The common garter snake is distributed from Alaska to Mexico and has a long brumation period that can be up to six months. However, on sunny winter days you can go out and expose yourself to it.
Although it has solitary habits, it is common for it to brumation in the burrows of other animals together with individuals of the same species, thus generating greater heat in space by staying in contact with other snakes.
Fire salamander (Salamandra salamandra)
Another example of animals that brumate can be found in the fire salamander. This amphibian remains very inactive in extreme conditions, whether temperatures get too high or too low, so it is most active on warm nights. The brumation is carried out mainly in caves and a curious fact is that it tries year after year to use the same place to enter this state of inactivity.
Common Frog (Rana temporaria)
This species that is native to Europe and Asia. It usually performs brumation underwater, in groups of many individuals of the species. Downtime varies by location, but lasts three to four months.
