tjkcb notes: Why do reptiles never wake up when it is too cold?
I got it cultivated for 22 years but did not hear the word "Brumation" until she-kll told me.
Reptiles are ectothermic, meaning their body temperature and metabolic processes are heavily influenced by the surrounding environment. When temperatures drop, their bodies can’t generate enough heat to maintain normal physiological functions. Instead of waking up and becoming active, reptiles enter a state called brumation, which is similar to hibernation in mammals.
What Happens During Brumation?
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Metabolic Slowdown: As temperatures drop, reptiles' metabolism slows significantly. This helps them conserve energy since they can’t effectively hunt or forage for food.
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Reduced Activity: In brumation, reptiles become lethargic and may remain in a burrow, crevice, or other sheltered locations for extended periods. They may wake occasionally to drink water, but their overall activity level is minimal.
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Temperature Dependence: If it’s too cold, reptiles won’t wake up because their body systems (like digestion and circulation) can’t function properly. They’re essentially in a state of suspended animation, waiting for warmer temperatures to signal that it's time to become active again.
Why Brumation is Essential
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Energy Conservation: Since food sources are scarce in colder months, entering brumation allows reptiles to survive without needing to hunt or eat.
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Survival Strategy: This adaptation protects them from extreme weather conditions and predation. By slowing down their metabolism and seeking shelter, they can endure harsh climates until conditions improve.
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Reptiles brumate, which is similar to hibernation in mammals, but not the same:
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BrumationReptiles brumate when temperatures drop and the days get shorter. They find a safe, warm place to hide, where their metabolism slows and they rest. They don't fall into a deep sleep, but they do have periods of activity. They may go without food for several months, but they continue to drink water to avoid dehydration.
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HibernationMammals hibernate by falling into a deep sleep, where they don't eat or drink.
Some signs that a reptile is brumating include: Being less active than usual, Remaining buried for weeks at a time, Loss of appetite, and Preferring the cool side of the enclosure.
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In a nutshell, brumation is to reptiles what hibernation is to mammals. When temperatures begin to drop to cooler climates and the days begin to get shorter, reptiles seek out a warm, safe hiding place where their metabolism slows to the bare minimum and they rest until the climate changes again for spring time.
