Dormancy Collection

RhinolopUs Hipposideros

Greater Horseshoe Bat. Rhinolophus Ferrumequinum

Rhinolophus Hipposideros

Aestivating snails, Greece C016 / 3523
Aestivating snails in the Imbros Gorge, West Crete, Greece

Land snails on a frankincense tree. These snails are aestivating, which is a survival strategy of lying dormant during the hot summer months

White garden snails (Theba pisana) aestiviating on a dune plant. Aestiviation is a state of dormancy undertaken in summer by animals that are sensitive to heat. Photographed in France

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Amidst the majestic peaks of Hohe Tauern National Park, near the awe-inspiring Mount Grossglockner, the Alpine Marmot (Marmota marmota) prepares for its winter slumber. This large ground squirrel species, known for its distinctive stripes and plump body, digs a cozy burrow and stockpiles food for the long, snowy months ahead. In contrast, thousands of miles away in warmer climates, the Greater Horseshoe Bat (Rhinolophus ferrumequinum) and Rhinolopus Hipposideros embark on their own form of dormancy, called aestivation. These bat species retreat to cool, dark caves to conserve water and energy during the hot, dry summer months. Land snails, such as the White Garden Snail (Theba pisana) and aestivating snails, also practice a form of dormancy, called torpor, to survive harsh conditions. The Alpine Marmot and these various species showcase the incredible adaptability of nature, as they each find unique ways to endure the challenges of their respective environments.