Which animals live in the hottest temperatures?

PLENTY OF ANIMALS CAN HANDLE extreme heat and, for obvious reasons, they tend to live in the tropics, often in deserts. Camels, for instance, can cope with temperatures of up to 49°C, thanks largely to their humps, where lots of their fat is stored.

- Ben Hoare

These allow them to lose body heat rapidly and efficiently. In addition, their densely furred coats and leathery foot-pads insulate them from the scorching midday heat. As a last resort, they sweat to cool down, though seldom need to.

Desert animals (camels included) also have a range of adaptations to reduce how much water they lose, so can endure remarkably long periods without taking on fresh supplies. Reptiles are brilliant at it, which explains why deserts are home to an impressive variety of snakes and lizards.