What is Brumation?

About Brumation

• It is the name to describe a period of dormancy or slowed activity in reptiles, much like hibernation in mammals.
• It typically occurs during colder months, when temperatures drop and food becomes scarce.
• During brumation, reptiles may retreat to underground burrows, rock crevices or other sheltered areas where temperatures are relatively more stable.
• Their metabolism slows significantly, allowing them to go weeks or even months without eating.
• This period of reduced activity allows reptiles to conserve energy and minimise their resource requirements.
• Such species include box turtles and painted turtles, which burrow into the mud at the bottom of ponds or lakes. Snakes may seek refuge in underground dens or caves while lizards may hide under rocks or within vegetation.
• Why brumation?
  • Reptiles enter a state of brumation to conserve energy and survive these adverse environmental conditions.
  • Brumation is crucial for reptiles to survive cold climes and endure challenging environmental conditions, until they can reemerge to feed and reproduce in more favourable climes.

Q1) What are Mammals?

They include humans and all other animals that are warm-blooded vertebrates (vertebrates have backbones) with hair. They feed their young with milk and have a more well-developed brain than other types of animals.