Skinks, sleek lizards common in warm climates, seem to vanish as winter approaches. This sparks curiosity about how these cold-blooded creatures survive the colder months.
Understanding Skink Winter Behavior
During winter, skinks enter a state of dormancy known as brumation, a survival mechanism distinct from the hibernation observed in mammals. Brumation is a period of reduced activity and metabolic slowdown, triggered by decreasing temperatures and shorter daylight hours. Unlike hibernating mammals, which enter a deep, continuous sleep, brumating skinks may occasionally stir to drink water.
This physiological change allows skinks to conserve energy when food sources are scarce and external temperatures are too low for normal activity. Their heart rate, respiration, and overall energy expenditure decrease significantly. While their body temperature drops to match the surrounding environment, it is not a complete shutdown, allowing for periodic, brief awakenings. This adaptation is crucial for their survival in climates with distinct cold seasons.
Preferred Winter Hideaways
To endure the colder months, skinks seek specific locations that provide stable temperatures and protection from freezing. They often burrow underground, utilizing existing tunnels created by other animals or digging their own chambers beneath the frost line. These subterranean refuges offer consistent temperatures and humidity, important for their survival.
Skinks also find shelter under natural debris like rocks, decaying logs, and dense leaf litter. Rotting wood, in particular, offers insulation and a source of warmth as it decomposes. Crevices in rock walls, foundations, and even compost piles or garden debris can also serve as suitable brumation sites. These locations offer insulation and safety from predators and extreme weather fluctuations.
Preparing for and Emerging from Winter
As autumn arrives, skinks begin to prepare for brumation by increasing their food intake to build up fat reserves. This stored energy is crucial for sustaining them through the long period of inactivity. Some skink species can even double their body weight in the weeks leading up to winter, with certain types storing significant fat in their tails. Once temperatures consistently drop and daylight hours shorten, they seek out their chosen brumation sites.
When spring approaches and temperatures begin to rise, skinks gradually emerge from their dormant state. The increasing warmth and longer days signal that it is safe to become active again, allowing them to seek food and mates. The exact duration of brumation can vary depending on the specific skink species and the local climate, ranging from a few weeks to several months in colder regions.