About: Xerocole

A xerocole (from Greek xēros /ˈzɪroʊs/ 'dry', and Latin col(ere) 'to inhabit'), is a general term referring to any animal that is adapted to live in a desert. The main challenges xerocoles must overcome are lack of water and excessive heat. To conserve water they avoid evaporation and concentrate excretions (i.e. urine and feces). Some are so adept at conserving water or obtaining it from food that they do not need to drink at all. To escape the desert heat, xerocoles tend to be either nocturnal or crepuscular (most active at dawn and dusk).