10 Animals That Need Very Little Water to Survive

Meerkat

Found in the Kalahari Desert, meerkats are adept at obtaining moisture from the insects and plants they consume, minimizing their need for water.

Fennec Fox

Native to the Sahara Desert, the fennec fox has kidneys that are adapted to restrict water loss, allowing it to thrive in its dry habitat.

Ostrich

While they do drink water when it's available, ostriches can also survive for extended periods on just the moisture found in the plants they eat.

Jerboa

This small desert rodent obtains sufficient moisture from its diet of seeds and plants, avoiding the need for drinking water.

Desert Tortoise

Survives in harsh desert climates by consuming moisture-rich plants and can go for up to a year without water.

Thorny Devil

An Australian lizard that collects water by any means— from rain, dew, or even condensation on its body, which is then channeled to its mouth.

Addax Antelope

A desert antelope that gets most of its moisture from dew and plants, rarely needing to drink water.

Sand Gazelle

Also known as the Arabian gazelle, this animal is extremely efficient in conserving water and can survive on the moisture it gets from plants.

Camel

Famous for their ability to travel long distances in the desert without water, camels store fat in their humps which can be converted to water and energy.

Kangaroo Rat

Native to the deserts of North America, this rat can survive without ever drinking water. It extracts all the moisture it needs from its seed-based diet.

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