Water is essential for all living creatures. Only a few animals can withstand the strong sun and heat in the desert. They can survive in desert because they have ways to get water without drinking it directly.
Animals find it difficult to live if they cannot control the rate of water loss. However, desert creatures have developed the ability to survive by overcoming the constant scarcity of water.
Animals which live in temperate climates lack this ability. That is the reason why these animals are devastated during a prolonged drought.
Desert animals have several ways to reduce water loss from their bodies.
Some extract water from leaves, seeds, grass or other substances. Some absorb water from the atmosphere through their skins directly, and some are able to convert sugars from food into water.
Reptiles are well suited to desert climates. They get most of their water from their food but lose very little moisture through their skin.