5 animals that can survive for months without water

Water is life and every living being requires water for survival! However, did you know that there are animals that can survive months without drinking water? These organisms have successfully adapted to survive in an arid world. Through remarkable adaptations, such as storing water within their bodies, extracting water from their food, or just slowing down their metabolism, these incredible animals have come up with astonishingly creative and effective strategies, facilitating them to survive easily in harsh and dry climatic conditions. Let's dive into the interesting world of five magnificent animals that can go for months without a single drop of water!

Desert tortoise

This desert tortoise has remarkably been adapted to survive in dry conditions. It stores water in the bladder and can go up to a year without water. When it does get water, it absorbs huge amounts at one time to fill up its water supply again. Moisture also comes from the consumption of plants that the tortoises eat, particularly during the rainy season when there is a variety of flourishing plants. This magnificent reptile is also known to dig burrows to avoid the heat. And so, it manages to maintain moisture, making the desert tortoise adapt well to harsh and arid conditions, which is also their natural habitat.

Kangaroo rat

Kangaroo rats are highly adaptive to desert life, making their survival in arid environments possible. This species of rat can live their whole lives without ever drinking water, and getting moisture from eating seeds. Its kidneys are known to be highly functional, producing dehydrated urine to reduce water loss. The kangaroo rats are also known to have cheek pouches, which provide them a place to store the food so that it has an ongoing supply of nourishment. They dig deep burrows to save themselves from extreme temperatures while also escaping predators.

Bears

While bears, in normal times, need water to survive, there are exceptions where some of the species can survive without water for a long time, such as during several months of hibernation. In such a situation, the stored fat works both as an energy source and a source of moisture. Their body has also adapted to maintain a minimum metabolism, which requires less amount of water. They can live on the limited water content found in the food they eat, such as berries and fish when there is a shortage of food.

Water-holding frog

This unique frog species is known to belong to Australia and can easily survive long and dry climates by entering a state of deep sleep. It digs into the earth and wraps itself in its own skin like a cocoon to retain moisture inside. It can survive in such a situation for months and even years until rain comes back. During the times of rain, the frog wakes up and starts to look around for food and mates. It survives remarkably under harsh conditions and after rains, it preys on insects to eat and starts its life cycle all over again.

Camel

Camels can live a week without drinking water while also being remarkably adapted to survive even longer. They have a special ability that helps them lose 25% of their body weight through sweating without getting harmed in any water. These creatures store fat in their humps which is broken down into water and energy. Camels are also known to have thick fur that effectively protects them against heat and prevents the significant loss of sweat.