Image credit: US Fisheries and Wildlife
Animals That Can Live Without Water For Years
4 March 2024
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Some animals have abilities which allow them to spend longer periods of time without water. It allows them to live in some of the harshest climates across the globe
Image credit: X
Here are some animals which can survive without water for several years
Image credit: Washington State University
Kangaroo rats are native to the deserts of North America. They have kidneys that conserve as much water as possible from their urine
Image credit: Australian Wildlife Conservancy
The thorny devil, found in Central Australia, captures rainfall and dew during drier conditions through scales and then it is transported under the skin to the mouth
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Sand gazelles of the Arabian Peninsula can survive in the intense heat by shrinking their hearts and livers which allows them to lose less water
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Jerboas get water from the plants and insects they consume and can live for three years without drinking water
Image credit: National Park Service
Desert tortoises have a bladder that can hold 40% of their weight in water and liquid excrement. It stores enough to allow the tortoise to survive a dry spell of up to a year
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The water-holding frog in Australia can live for five years without water. It hydrates itself by soaking up water through its skin and creating a cocoon to prevent water loss
Image credit: St Louis Zoo
Gerenuks, native to East Africa, conserve water with nasal passages that prevent moisture loss through evaporation. They can live up to eight years without drinking water
Image credit: National Park Service
Sidewinder rattlesnakes have adapted to survive without water for long durations. They get moisture from their prey, which includes lizards and rodents
Image credit: US Fisheries and Wildlife
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