{"id":14775,"date":"2022-03-18T09:21:14","date_gmt":"2022-03-18T08:21:14","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.discoverwildlife.com\/?p=3417"},"modified":"2022-03-18T15:09:29","modified_gmt":"2022-03-18T14:09:29","slug":"what-is-hibernation-aestivation-torpor-and-denning-and-which-animals-do-it","status":"publish","type":"rss_feed","link":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/bbcwildlife\/rss_feed\/what-is-hibernation-aestivation-torpor-and-denning-and-which-animals-do-it\/","title":{"rendered":"What is hibernation, aestivation, torpor and denning, and which animals do it?"},"content":{"rendered":"

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By Jo Price\n \t\t<\/p>

Published: Friday, 18 March 2022 at 12:00 am<\/p>

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Many of us think that hibernating animals go to sleep in the autumn, and wake up in the spring in time for the warmer weather. But there\u2019s more to hibernation than that.<\/p>\n

What is hibernation?<\/h2>\n

Hibernation is a way for many creatures \u2013 from butterflies<\/a> to bats \u2013 to survive cold, dark winters without having to forage for food or migrate to somewhere warmer. Instead, they turn down their metabolisms to save energy.<\/p>\n

\""A\"<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div>
A baby hedgehog born too late to have enough fat reserves for hibernation. \u00a9 lorenzo104\/Getty<\/em><\/span><\/figcaption><\/div>\n

Animals in hot climates also undergo a form of hibernation called aestivation. This works in a similar way and enables them to survive extreme heat, drought or lack of food.<\/p>\n

Hibernating is much more profound than simply sleeping, though. Depending on the species, it can vary from long, deep unconsciousness to light spells of inactivity.<\/p>\n

But hibernation carries risks as the dormant\u00a0animal is vulnerable to predators and the unpredictable climate.<\/p>\n

Which animals hibernate? <\/strong><\/h2>\n

Small mammals, such as chipmunks, dormice, hamsters, hedgehogs<\/a> and bats. Also, many insects, amphibians and reptiles.<\/p>\n

\""Common\"<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div>
Common dormouse (Muscardinus avellanarius) curled up asleep in nest with hazelnuts. \u00a9 Nature Picture Library\/Getty<\/em><\/span><\/figcaption><\/div>\n

Just one bird is known to be a true hibernator: North America\u2019s common poorwill. This beautifully camouflaged nocturnal bird is a relative of the nightjar found in Britain, and in winter often hibernates among rocks. It can slash its oxygen intake by 90%, while its body temperature plummets to 5\u00b0C, barely registering signs of life.<\/p>\n

How does hibernation work? <\/strong><\/h2>\n

A hibernating animal\u2019s metabolism slows and its temperature plunges \u2013 in ground squirrels it can fall to -2\u00b0C. Breathing slows and, in bats, the heart rate can fall from 400 to 11 beats per minute. Some cold-blooded animals, such as wood frogs, produce natural antifreezes to survive being frozen solid.<\/p>\n

How do animals prepare for hibernation?<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Mammals feed heavily in summer and autumn, storing fat to see them through the winter.<\/p>\n

Is hibernation dangerous?<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Animals may die during hibernation from lack of fat, severe weather or premature awakening. Plus, they can be vulnerable to predators.<\/p>\n

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