Apr 26, 2025

8 animals that can survive without water for months at a time

Aakanksha Sharma

Animals that don't drink much water

In the scorching summer heat, living without cold water feels impossible. Leave cold water, without access to water itself, sounds dangerous! But did you know some animals can survive without water for months, even in summer. Here we mention some of them.

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Camel

One of the most famous animals that can survive without water for long periods is the Camel. The camel stores fat in its hump which its body can use for energy and moisture.

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Kangaroo rat

Found in deserts, the Kangaroo rat is a small rodent that rarely drinks water, and can survive on the moisture from seeds it eats.

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Thorny devil

Another desert and dry-region animal, the Thorny devil too can survive for days without water. This animal collects dew and rainwater through grooves on its skin that direct the water to its mouth.

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Desert tortoise

Another animal from the desert that can survive without water for a long time is the desert tortoise. It is believed that this tortoise can store water internally and will drink litres of water when it finds a fresh source.

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African lungfish

A fish that can live without water for years is the African lungfish. During dry months, this fish covers itself in mud and a slime-like structure, and as the mud dries, it slows down its metabolism so it doesn't need water to survive.

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Gila monster

A rather scary-looking creature, the Gila monster too can survive without water for long spells. It is believed to store fat and water in its body, using it slowly during dry days that could turn to months.

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Sand gazelle

The Sand Gazelle, a desert animal from the Middle East, can survive for months without water. How? It is said to shrink its liver and heart to reduce its water needs to live in the dry desert climate.

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Koala

Although not a desert animal, or one that lives in dry regions, the Koala too drinks as little water as possible, and is rarely found near water sources. Why? Because it gets all the moisture it needs from eucalyptus leaves, which make up most of its diet.

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Thanks For Reading!

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