What animals do when it gets really hot in South Africa

High temperatures affect everything from hydration and energy use to predator and prey dynamics. Unlike humans, animals cannot retreat indoors or switch on air conditioning. Survival depends on timing, movement, body position and an intimate understanding of the landscape.

These behavioural adaptations become especially visible during peak summer, offering insight into how species have evolved to cope with harsh environments and how climate change may be testing those limits. Many animals respond to intense heat by changing when they move, hunt or forage. Activity often shifts to early mornings and late afternoons, a pattern known as crepuscular behaviour.

In extreme conditions, some species become almost entirely nocturnal. Antelopes, big cats and even elephants are often far less active during the hottest part of the day. Safari sightings tend to peak at dawn and dusk for this very reason.

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Heat avoidance conserves water and prevents dangerous rises in body temperature. Reduced movement during midday is not laziness. It is a calculated response to heat stress.

Animals lower their metabolic output by resting, which limits internal heat production and preserves precious energy reserves during long, dry summers. Shade plays a crucial role in temperature regulation. Large mammals cluster beneath trees or rocky outcrops where surface temperatures can be significantly cooler.

Riverbanks and wetlands provide both shade and evaporative cooling, which is why wildlife activity often increases near water in summer. Elephants are known to linger near rivers not only to drink but also to cool their bodies through bathing and mud coating, which also protects skin from sun exposure. Small mammals, reptiles and insects often retreat underground to escape the heat entirely.

Burrows offer stable temperatures and reduced moisture loss. In arid regions like the Kalahari, underground refuges can mean the difference between survival and overheating. Some species dig shallow depressions in the sand or soil, pressing their bodies against cooler ground to release heat.

Many mammals rely on panting to cool down. Rapid breathing increases evaporation in the mouth and respiratory tract, lowering body temperature. Birds use a similar technique called gular fluttering, where the throat vibrates rapidly to release heat.

These behaviours become common sights during heatwaves, especially around waterholes. Elephant ears are packed with blood vessels and act as natural radiators. Standing sideways to the wind further improves cooling efficiency.

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