Need a little help (school thing)

[doenoe]

Hey there

i could really use some help. I got an assignement for school and i have to find a reptile that hybernates (not brumate). Also have to find what i have to change in the terrarium when it goes into hybernation. Probably have to work on the light cycle and the temps maybe. Not sure what i need to change more (if there is more).
I looked around a bit on the net, but cant really find it (im sure there is something there, but im probably looking for the wrong thing).
So i need a reptile that hybernates and what to change in its enclosure
Thanks a bunch :D
Greetz Daan

[Golden_Lotus]

I am not sure that such an animal exist. Depend of the hybernation definition. Try with very nortic specimens.

I saw 2 week ago on radio canada something about animals who live in artic region of Canada. One of them was a frog. During winter, the animal it-self die frozen, but it's cells remains alive. During spring, it kind of resurrect.

I heard also of a frog who can remain under the earth for many month during dry season, waiting for humidity to regains conciousness. It was probably in Africa.

I hope to have help a little bit. sorry but I dont remember the names

[doenoe]

thanks for the reply
I was thinking a frog, toad or tortoise would most likely go hybernate. Dont mind the names, dont think the teacher himself will know that :p
But how would you simulate those conditions in a enclosure?
Greetz Daan

[Cake]

Take the Blanding's Turtle, Snapping Turtle or Painted Turtle, all these species hibernate. It would be very difficult to get these guys to hibernate in a terrarium. Most people slowely reduce the temps, and then place them in a fridge in a some water for the winter.

I dont have much experience in this feild so I cant give you specifics. Hopefully Someone with more experience such as Jeff will stop by, I know he has done this with turtle species before.

[Golden_Lotus]

Hybernation is done in very strict and difficult environment. It must be very difficult to reproduce this environment artificially. I never heard of a reptile submit to such extreme temperature in captivity. Even in nature, many animal dont recover from it.

Anyway, your question make me quite curious. I will try to find something. I know of a guy who is a biologist and know a lot about Quebec Reptile. I will try to have an answer from him.

Bye,

[doenoe]

I also thought it would be rather difficult to get a reptile in captivity to hybernate. I only heard about reptiles who brumate.
Im starting to get more curious by the minute.
Thanks again
Greetz Daan

[Golden_Lotus]

I have an answer from the biologist guy. This is a traducted resumate:

It seem that in Quebec province, all our reptiles hybernate except the Luth turtle (live only in sporadic time in St-Laurent golf durinf summer). Ours frogs, rainette et toad hybernate too. Some are still active during winter, under the ice, before reaching adultehood). Aquatic Salamander, spotted necture and green triton are actives all winter. Non-aquatic salamanders do hybernate.

I hope that help a little bit. If you need some specific name, I can search a little bit more.

[doenoe]

Yes. it sure helps
thanks for asking and helping out
Greetz Daan