Mary Allen
Introduction: Northern Fence Lizards
The Northern Fence Lizard, also known as the Eastern Fence Lizard, is a common species of lizard found in North America. These lizards are often found basking in the sun on fence posts, logs, and rocks. They are known for their distinctive blue coloration on their bellies and throat, and their ability to flatten their bodies and run quickly along the ground.
Understanding Hibernation
What is Hibernation?
Hibernation is a process where animals slow down their metabolism and enter a state of reduced activity during the winter months. This allows them to conserve energy and survive through periods of food scarcity and harsh weather conditions.
Why Do Animals Hibernate?
Animals hibernate to conserve energy during the winter months when food is scarce. Hibernation allows animals to lower their metabolism, heart rate, and body temperature, which means they require less energy to survive. Hibernation also helps animals avoid harsh weather conditions, such as extreme cold or drought, which can be fatal.
Northern Fence Lizards Habitat
Northern Fence Lizards are commonly found in open woodlands, rocky areas, and grasslands in the eastern and central United States. They are often found on fence posts, logs, and rocks where they bask in the sun to regulate their body temperature. These lizards are known for their ability to blend in with their surroundings, making them difficult to spot.
Northern Fence Lizards and Winter
During the winter months, Northern Fence Lizards enter a state of reduced activity known as brumation. This is similar to hibernation, but the lizard’s body temperature remains slightly above freezing, allowing it to move around if necessary. Brumation allows Northern Fence Lizards to conserve energy and survive through periods of food scarcity and harsh weather conditions.
Where Do Northern Fence Lizards Hibernate?
Northern Fence Lizards hibernate in underground burrows, crevices, and rock piles. These hibernation sites provide protection from the cold and reduce the risk of predation. Male and female lizards may hibernate together in the same burrow, but they do not hibernate in large groups like some other reptiles.
Factors That Determine Hibernating Sites
The main factors that determine hibernating sites for Northern Fence Lizards are temperature, moisture, and protection from predators. Lizards will choose sites that provide the optimal temperature range for hibernation, which is typically between 2-10 degrees Celsius. They also require a certain level of moisture to prevent dehydration, and they will choose sites that provide protection from predators.
Temperature Requirements for Hibernation
Northern Fence Lizards require a temperature range of 2-10 degrees Celsius for hibernation. If the temperature drops too low, they may become frozen and die. If the temperature rises too high, they may become active and use up their energy reserves, which can be fatal. Lizards will adjust their position within their hibernation site to maintain the optimal temperature range.
Hibernation Cycle of Northern Fence Lizards
Northern Fence Lizards typically enter brumation in late fall, around November or December, and emerge in early spring, around March or April. During brumation, their metabolism slows down, and they do not eat or drink. They may occasionally move around within their hibernation site to adjust their temperature, but they remain mostly inactive.
Survival Strategies of Northern Fence Lizards
Northern Fence Lizards have several survival strategies that help them survive through the winter months. They can slow down their metabolism and enter a state of reduced activity, allowing them to conserve energy. They can also adjust their position within their hibernation site to maintain the optimal temperature range. Finally, they choose hibernation sites that provide protection from predators and the elements.
Conclusion: Importance of Hibernation for Northern Fence Lizards
Hibernation is an essential survival strategy for Northern Fence Lizards. It allows them to conserve energy and survive through periods of food scarcity and harsh weather conditions. By choosing optimal hibernation sites, adjusting their position within their hibernation site, and slowing down their metabolism, Northern Fence Lizards can successfully survive the winter months and emerge in the spring ready to mate and reproduce.