QuickCheck: Can an animal live without drinking any water?

Humans can go about three days tops without water before our organ systems will start to shut down but is it true that there is a species of animal that can go its entire life without drinking water?

The gerenuk, often called the giraffe-necked antelope, is a distinct species native to East Africa.

Known for its long neck, slender body, and perpetually grumpy facial expression, this unique antelope can stand on its hind legs to reach high branches, feeding mainly on leaves, shoots, and buds from trees and bushes.

One of the most remarkable traits of the gerenuk is its ability to survive without drinking water.

According to History of Yesterday, they meet all their hydration needs from the moisture found in their diet. This adaptation allows them to thrive in the arid, semi-desert regions they call home.

As Reteti Elephant Sanctuary highlights, their diet consists primarily of dry vegetation and plants covered in dew.

By consuming leaves, fruits, and buds, the gerenuk extracts all the moisture it requires, making it perfectly suited to the harsh, water-scarce regions of East Africa.

This evolutionary advantage allows them to live without relying on traditional water sources, a rare trait among most animals.

Verdict:

True ️

Another species that can also live a lifetime without water is the kangaroo rat, a species native to western North America.

The kangaroo rat, a small but resourceful desert rodent, is known for its impressive ability to thrive in arid environments.

According to the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum, it gets its name from its long, powerful hind legs, which allow it to hop great distances – much like a kangaroo – when foraging or escaping predators.

It also has cheek pouches to store seeds, which make up the bulk of its diet. A unique feature of the kangaroo rat is its ability to live without drinking water.

According to the National Park Service, much like the gerenuk, it obtains all the moisture it needs from the seeds it consumes, allowing it to thrive in desert environments.

This water-saving adaptation is further enhanced by the kangaroo rat’s ability to avoid sweating or panting, which minimizes water loss.

As highlighted by Nature, the kangaroo rat has evolved unique kidneys that allow it to retain nearly all the water from its food.

This, combined with its burrow-dwelling lifestyle, helps it survive the extreme heat of its desert habitat. These impressive adaptations make the kangaroo rat a true desert survivor.