What does this mean?
"During periods of increased rainfall, sections of wetland that are normally cut-off become connected, and these younger reptiles can find themselves in surprisingly confined habitats where they may have to remain until the rains return."

What does it mean by "they may have to remain until the rains return."? Why would the rain return? Isn't it already raining during this time?

Thank you.

Question

What does this mean?
"During periods of increased rainfall, sections of wetland that are normally cut-off become connected, and these younger reptiles can find themselves in surprisingly confined habitats where they may have to remain until the rains return."

What does it mean by "they may have to remain until the rains return."? Why would the rain return? Isn't it   already raining during this time?

Thank you.

Answer

I agree with Mike. The text is talking about a sequence where the rain comes and goes. When it goes the reptiles may become trapped.

Answer

The sentence is not written clearly but from the context I assume they are talking about small habitats that are connected when it rains a lot and disconnect again when it's dry. So the reptiles can get trapped in the small habitats after the rains are over, and will be confined there until the next rainy season.