brumation

Brumation is a period of dormancy in reptiles, similar to hibernation in mammals. During brumation, their metabolic rate slows down, and they become less active, often emerging only to eat or drink. This process is triggered by environmental factors like shorter days and cooler temperatures, helping reptiles conserve energy during less favorable conditions, typically in winter. Brumation allows them to survive periods of limited food availability and harsh weather, and they usually resume normal activity when conditions improve.