Xerocole facts for kids

Some antelope, such as the addax (pictured) and the oryx, are so efficient at getting water from plants that they never need to drink.

Ectotherms, such as this Cunningham's spiny-tailed skink, often bask in the sun to regulate body temperature.

A xerocole (from Modern Greek xēros /ˈzɪroʊs/, meaning 'dry', and Latin col(ere), meaning 'to inhabit'), is an animal adapted to live in the desert. The main problems these animals face are very little water to drink, and a very hot environment. Xerocoles tend to be nocturnal or crepuscular to escape the heat.

Saving up water

Xerocoles have many ways to conserve (save up) the water in their body. Most xerocoles do not sweat, or sweat very little. Many desert birds and mammals have oils on their skin to prevent water from escaping. There is also very little water in their urine and feces.

Different types of xerocoles

• Aardvark
• American black bear
• Chipmunk
• Coyote
• Gila monster
• Gemsbok
• Hyena
• Lion
• Meerkat
• Ostrich

And so on.

Images for kids

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  The fennec fox's large ears help keep it cool: when the blood vessels dilate, blood from the body cycles in and dissipates over the expanded surface area.

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  A kangaroo rat can live its entire life without ever having to drink.

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  When the Cape ground squirrel scurries from one shady spot to the next, he holds his wide, flat tail over his back to provide shade.