why are night time temp drops important?

[jojothefirst]

It often gets said that night time temp drops are very important and in some species they are essential, especially montane species.
I'm in no way disputing that this is important as so many people say it so it must right and I do understand it mimics there natural environment

But....... I don't understand why it benefits there health?

 

[Zen Reptiles]

Night time drops are common all over the world for one thing. I slept in the Australian desert & Egyptian desert where it was blistering hot during the day, and freeeeeeeeeeezing cold at night. People aren't used to outdoor nighttime temperatures because we are always sheltered indoors, even in a small hut makes a difference.

For chameleon ranges, this is especially true in certain parts like mountainous regions, among others. Many of these specifically large mountains where entire species are local to have snow on top of them.

It also slows their metabolism down while sleeping, which essentially plays a major role in prolonging lifespan....which is the only real reason I provide a night time drop personally.

 

[jojothefirst]

Night time drops are common all over the world for one thing. I slept in the Australian desert & Egyptian desert where it was blistering hot during the day, and freeeeeeeeeeezing cold at night. People aren't used to outdoor nighttime temperatures because we are always sheltered indoors, even in a small hut makes a difference.

For chameleon ranges, this is especially true in certain parts like mountainous regions, among others. Many of these specifically large mountains where entire species are local to have snow on top of them.

It also slows their metabolism down while sleeping, which essentially plays a major role in prolonging lifespan....which is the only real reason I provide a night time drop personally.

Ok, thanks,
So slowing down there metabolism. Is there anything else which they might benefit from have a drop at night?
What problems would be caused by not having these drops?

 

[AngieL]

Ok, thanks,
So slowing down there metabolism. Is there anything else which they might benefit from have a drop at night?
What problems would be caused by not having these drops?

They need to slow the metabolism to sleep! Same as everyone, or they won't sleep, be hungry and thirsty at night when there's nobody to feed or water them, become grumpy and lethargic.

When you keep exotic animals you want to mimic the living conditions in the wild as much as possible, it gets cold outside at night

 

[Decadancin]

Yep! It will allow for a better rest period and this will make for a healthier cham. Just like having a basking spot helps with digestion, cooler and darker conditions lead to better sleep patterns. This is why it is so important that the red nighttime bulbs are not used, and most heat emitters are not necessary.

 

[jojothefirst]

They need to slow the metabolism to sleep! Same as everyone, or they won't sleep, be hungry and thirsty at night when there's nobody to feed or water them, become grumpy and lethargic.

When you keep exotic animals you want to mimic the living conditions in the wild as much as possible, it gets cold outside at night

Yep! It will allow for a better rest period and this will make for a healthier cham. Just like having a basking spot helps with digestion, cooler and darker conditions lead to better sleep patterns. This is why it is so important that the red nighttime bulbs are not used, and most heat emitters are not necessary.

Yea I have thought the obvious in that mimicking there natural environment is best but I also thought that large temp drops and cold nights is something some of the Montane species have adapted to tolerate rather then it actually be beneficial to them but your replies make a lot of sense.
Much appreciated.

 

[Decadancin]

Much of the area in Yemen has a semi arid type environment. There are some pretty significant drops in overnight temps and less rainfall than you might think. This is likely why veiled chams eat so many plants... they have to if they are to survive.