Camels, often called "the ships of the desert", have captivated the human imagination for centuries. These magnificent creatures are native to the arid regions of Africa and Asia, where they have adapted remarkably well to survive in harsh environments and water scarcity, making them invaluable companions for nomadic tribes and travellers across arid regions. Camels are working animals especially suited to their desert habitat and are a vital means of transporting passengers and cargo. There are two main types of camels dromedaries and Bactrian camels. The one-humped dromedary makes up 94% of the world's camel population and the two-humped Bactrian camel makes up 6%. Both species can be found in different parts of the world. Dromedaries are primarily found in North Africa and the Middle East, whereas Bactrian camels inhabit Central Asia's Mongolian steppes and Gobi Desert.
These incredible animals have played a pivotal role in the lives of humans from providing transportation across vast deserts to being a crucial source of milk, meat and wool, camels have proven to be invaluable companions. With their distinctive humped backs, long legs, broad padded feet, eyelashes and unique set of physiological features that shield against blowing sand, camels have become an iconic symbol of endurance and resilience. These humps that serve as natural reservoirs storing fat rather than water, camels are uniquely suited for survival in extreme climates. These humps allow them to go several days without drinking water while still maintaining their stamina and energy levels. Additionally, they possess specialized kidneys that allow them to reabsorb moisture from urine before excreting it and also possess thick fur that protects them from intense heat during the day and cold temperatures at night.
Arabian Camel or Dromedary Camel and Bactrian camel
Camelus dromedarius and Camelus bactrianus
5.9-6.6 feet in height, 6.99-7.1 feet at the hump and 7.2-11.5 feet in length
Dromedaries 300-600 kg and Bactrian 480-1000 kg
40-50 years
The scientific name of the two main species of Camel is "Camelus dromedarius (Arabian Camel or Dromedary Camel)" and "Camelus bactrianus (Bactrian Camel)". Camels belong to the family Camelids of Camelidae, which also includes other members such as llamas and alpacas. The first part of the camel's scientific name, Camelus, refers to the genus to which both species belong. This genus includes not only dromedaries or Arabian camels but also Bactrian camels. The second part of the scientific name specifies each species, dromedarius for one-humped camels and bactrianus for two-humped ones. These may sound complex but they provide valuable information about these magnificent animals. Three species of Camels can be found today, Dromedary Camel (Camelus dromedarius) or Arabian Camel, Bactrian Camel (Camelus bactrianus) and Wild Bactrian Camel (Camelus ferus). The dromedary camel is found in arid regions of Africa and Asia, particularly in countries like Saudi Arabia and Sudan. On the other hand, the Bactrian camel primarily inhabits Central Asia.
Camels, known for their remarkable ability to survive in the harshest of environments, have long been hailed as the ships of the desert. These majestic creatures are uniquely adapted to endure extreme heat and scarcity of water, making them invaluable companions for nomadic tribes and travellers across arid regions. Here are some interesting facts and features about them:
A camel is a large animal that lives in deserts and is used for carrying goods and people. Camels are animals with four long legs, tufted tails, four teats, a long-curved neck, and a protruding snout with big lips. The tongue of the camel was muscular and spatula-shaped. It is a large, even-toed ungulate with a hump on its back. They have one or two lumps on their backs called humps. Camel has long double eyelashes and closable nostrils. They also have doubly thick skin with coats. Camels are also mammals which means they produce milk and give birth to live young. The camel's lifespan ranges from forty to fifty years.
A camel bears distinctive fatty deposits known as "humps" on its back. The hump is composed of adipose tissue, not water. They have a nictitating eye membrane to protect the eyes from the sun and sand. Their nostrils with flaps to survive in the hot conditions of the desert. It breathes slowly with no panting. Their thick lips help them eat the prickly shrubs. They have an upper lip that is split in two with each part separately mobile, Camels also have an isolated incisor in the upper jaw. With the thick pads of skin on their chest and knees, camels can comfortably sit in very hot sand. The camels' thick coats insulate them from the intense heat radiated from desert sand and during the summer the coat becomes lighter in colour, reflecting light as well as helping to avoid sunburn and cold at night. Camels have a three-chambered rather than a four-chambered digestive tract. This means that they have several stomach compartments where their tough, dry, grassy food needs to ferment and be broken down by special bacteria. The red blood cells in camels are oval-shaped, unlike those of other mammals, which are circular. Many of its anatomical adaptations are aimed at conquering the problems faced by most desert species including lack of food and water, sandy or stony ground surface, thorny plants and trees and a hot, windy climate (Faran et al).
Camels are usually between 6 and 7 feet in height and 9 to 11 feet in length. They can weigh up to 2,300 pounds. The adult Dromedary camel stands 5.9 to 6.6 feet at the shoulder, 7.1 feet at the hump, 7.2 to 11.2 feet in length and weighs between 400 to 600 kg, while the adult Bactrian camel stands 5.2 to 5.9 feet at the shoulder, 6.99 feet at the hump, 10 to 11.5 feet in length and weighs between 480 to 1000 kg.
One of the most fascinating aspects of camels is their ability to store water in their bodies. The dromedary camel has one hump and the Bactrian camel has two humps. A camel's hump doesn't contain water or bone. They store fat in these humps, which later can be used as an energy source when food is scarce. The camel uses it as nourishment when food is scarce. Camels can indeed last days without food or water. Camel humps store rich fat, which allows them to go long periods without eating or drinking because their body converts the stored fat into needed energy. These humps give camels their legendary ability to endure long periods of travel without water, even in harsh desert conditions. The main fatty acid of the hump fat is palmitic (34·4%) followed by oleic (28·2%), myristic (10·3%) and stearic (10·0%). If a camel uses the fat inside the hump or is depleted, the hump becomes floppy and flabby and will become limp and droop down. With proper food and rest the hump will return to normal.
Arguably the most popular feature of camels, the hump, is composed of adipose tissue, not water. This large region of fat storage can become metabolized to produce energy and water is released as a byproduct sustaining under circumstances of extreme starvation or thirst (Soliman).
Camels belong to desert habitats and are known for their remarkable ability to survive in harsh desert environments where water and food resources can be scarce. This iconic desert-dwelling mammal has a unique habitat and distribution that spans several continents. Camels are primarily found in the arid regions of Africa, Asia and Australia.
In Africa, camels inhabit vast stretches of the Sahara Desert and other arid areas like Somalia and Sudan. They have also been observed in parts of the Sahel region. In Asia, particularly in the Middle East, camels are commonly found in countries like Saudi Arabia, the Arabian Peninsula, Iran, Afghanistan and Pakistan. These areas provide suitable conditions for their survival due to low rainfall and high temperatures. Additionally, camels can tolerate wide temperature ranges from extremely hot during the day to chilly nights. Both dromedary (one-humped) and Bactrian (two-humped) camels can be found here. Their distribution is closely linked to their adaptability to harsh climates. Camels have evolved over centuries with special features that allow them to withstand long periods without water or food. The domesticated Bactrian camel inhabits Asian deserts or grassy steppes where the climate can range from very hot to very cold. The Wild Bactrian camel is extremely well adapted to the harsh desert climate. They are all typically found in desert regions, although they may also live in other similar environments like prairies.
Early camels ranged from Asia to Eastern Europe. Some crossed into Africa, expanding across northern Africa and as far south as northern Tanzania. The distribution of camels is primarily centred around countries such as Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Iran and Morocco. The domesticated Dromedary camel is found in arid regions of the Middle East through northern India and arid regions in North Africa (Sahara Desert). Feral Dromedary camels are also been found in arid regions of Australia. The domesticated Bactrian camel is found in Central Asia from Afghanistan to China, primarily up into the Mongolian steppes and the Gobi desert. The wild Bactrian camel is limited to a few small pockets in the Gobi desert of Northwest China (3 separated regions in China) and South Mongolia (1 in Mongolia).
Camels often called the ships of the desert, are fascinating creatures that have captivated the human imagination for centuries. With their distinctive humps and ability to endure harsh desert conditions, they have become iconic symbols of resilience and adaptability.
There are three surviving species of camels,
Camels belong to the family of Camelidae and are divided into two main species:
This family also includes other members such as llamas, alpacas, guanaco and vicuna. The most common type of camel is the "Dromedary camel" also known as the Arabian camel and all existing dromedary camels are domesticated.
The Dromedary or Arabian (one-humped) riding camel (Camelus dromedarius), is a swift domestic species not found in the wild. Although wild dromedaries are extinct, the importation of dromedaries to Australia in the 19th century resulted in the establishment of a feral population that continues to live in the country's interior. The Arabian Camel or Dromedary Camel's distinctive features include its long-curved neck, narrow chest, a single hump, thick, double-layered eyelashes and bushy eyebrows, broad-large feet, tufted tails, four teats rather than two and annual moult. They have long hairs on the throat, shoulders and hump. The hump stores up to 80 pounds of fat, which a camel can break down into water and energy when sustenance is not available. These humps give camels their legendary ability to travel up to 100 desert miles without water. Dromedary Camels can tolerate water loss equal to over 30% of their body weight. The coat is generally a shade of brown. The dromedary camel is 7.2 to 11.2 feet long, 5.9 to 6.6 feet tall at shoulder height, and weighs 880 to 1,100 pounds. The Dromedary camel (also known as the Arabian Camel) lives in the arid regions of the Middle East and the Saharan Desert of Africa.
The Bactrian camels are large animals but They are shorter and heavier than the one-humped dromedary camels. Bactrian camels have two humps on their backs where they store fat that converts to energy when needed. Their nostrils close to block sand and their bushy eyebrows and two rows of long eyelashes protect their eyes from blowing sand and ice. The length of the head and body is 2.25-3.45 m, the tail is 0.35-0.55 m long. The Bactrian camel is 10 to 11.5 feet long, 5.2 to 5.9 feet tall at shoulder height, and weighs 990 to 1,320 pounds. An adult camel can carry a load of about 40 per cent of their body weight. They can withstand extreme temperature changes, ideal for their natural home ranges in Northern Asia. Amazingly, they can cope with temperatures that swing between +40°C in the summer and -30°C in the winter in Asian deserts or grassy steppes where the climate can range from very hot to very cold. Wild camels live in the Gobi desert. The Bactrian camel occupies habitats in Central Asia from Afghanistan to China, primarily up into the Mongolian steppes and the Gobi desert. They were commonly used on the eastern trade routes.
The wild Bactrian camel is a critically endangered species of camel living in parts of northwestern China and southwestern Mongolia. It is closely related to the domestic Bactrian camel. Both are large, double-humped even-toed ungulates native to the steppes of central Asia. Wild Bactrian camels are smaller and more slender. Their fur colour varies from beige to dark brown. They have thick, woolly coats that provide warmth during the cold months and insulation from the desert heat and they shed this for the summer months. Bactrian camels have two humps on the back. The Wild Bactrian camels eat practically any vegetation that grows in their arid environment. If forced by hunger, a camel will eat fish, meat, skin and even bones. Wild Bactrian camels (Camelus ferus) are found in the Gobi desert of Northwest China and Mongolia. The Bactrian camel is extremely well adapted to the harsh desert climate.
The Feral camels were first introduced into Australia from the Canary Islands in 1840. There are now over one million feral camels in Australia and that population may double in size every nine years. Australian feral camels have introduced populations of a dromedary or one-humped, camel, as well as, albeit to a lesser extent, the two-humped Bactrian camel of Central Asia. Feral camels have been able to breed unchecked as they have no natural predators and they inhabit large tracts of sparsely populated, semi-arid and arid areas and are therefore largely invisible. Feral camels have a low mortality rate, generally only dying from 'old age' or in prolonged drought events. Feral camels can cause significant damage to vegetation by their foraging behaviour and trampling as well as suppression of plant species by selective browsing on rare and threatened flora. They live in most of Australia's desert country including the Great Sandy, Gibson, Great Victoria and Simpson deserts, as well as much of the semi-desert lands.
Camel is either of two species of large, hump-backed ruminants of the family Camelidae. They survive in harsh desert environments. These remarkable animals share several common characteristics that enable them to thrive in arid regions. Firstly, camels possess a unique adaptation known as their humps, which store fat rather than water. This feature allows them to go for long periods without food or drink, making them well-suited for desert life. Secondly, camels have thick fur on their bodies, including a shaggy coat on their humps. This fur serves as insulation against extreme temperatures during both scorching hot days and chilling cold nights found in deserts. Another notable characteristic of camels is their exceptional water retention ability. Moreover, it protects them from sandstorms by preventing particles from entering their skin. These remarkable animals also have thick skin on their knees and chest to protect them from the scorching sand as they kneel to rest or eat. Adaptations to windblown deserts include double rows of eyelashes, they can close the nostrils and wide-spreading soft feet. Additionally, camels have long legs with large feet that enable them to walk easily through sandy terrain without sinking into it. Camels are used as draft and saddle animals in desert regions.
They are native to arid regions such as deserts in Asia, Africa and even parts of Australia. Their well-adapted bodies enable them to survive in extreme temperatures ranging from scorching hot days to freezing nights. The two distinctive and recognizable livestock species commonly found in Africa, the Middle East and Asia.
Camels are herbivores that eat dried grasses, leaves, twigs, bushes and thorny plants such as saltbushes, cacti and other desert plants. Domestic camels often get to eat fruits, and vegetables as well as grains, wheat and oats. The most Favourite food of the camel is the "buck bush". It is at the top of the list. It's a spiky green bush that we see pop up after rain. Camels will spend their days searching for food and grazing. However, food can be tough to come by in their harsh desert environment. It eats almost all parts of a plant. However, they are not strictly herbivores and can become omnivores if necessary, resorting to eating carrion, bones and fish when vegetation is scarce. According to camel pastoralists salt is reputed to have a beneficial effect on the general well-being well-being and fertility of camels, particularly their skin condition. The high salt content in the diet of free-ranging camels is also responsible for the typical salty taste of camel milk of free-ranging camel. Camels will eat snakes, but it's rarely of their own volition. While there may be instances in which it's necessary for the survival of a camel to eat something it normally wouldn't, like a snake, there aren't any known examples of camels going out of their way to eat a snake. Camels can survive up to 15 days without water. One of the reasons that they can survive that long is because of their humps. They store fat in their humps (not water) and store water in their blood. So they can use this to help them go longer without water. But when a camel finally does find water, he can drink up to 40 gallons in one go.
Bactrian camels eat practically any vegetation that grows in their arid environment. If forced by hunger, a camel will eat fish, meat, skin and even bones. At the Zoo each camel eats about 13 –17½ pounds of pelleted feed and grass hay per day.
Wild Bactrian camels are omnivores but primarily herbivores and feed on a wide range of vegetation, including salty, dry, thorny and bitter plants. When other nutrient sources are not available, these camels may feed on carcasses, gnawing on bones, skin or various kinds of flesh.
Camels are social animals and they like to stay together in groups called herds. The herds are led by a dominant adult male, females and their young. While many of the other males form their herd called a bachelor herd. Camels will talk to each other too and like to greet each other by blowing in each other's faces. They can survive up to 15 days without water. The camel is a ruminant and it is famous for its reaction to the approach of a threat - they spit. The camel comes across as a very humble and loyal character. Camels are smart and have been shown to have the intellect and emotional intelligence of an eight-year-old child. Both Bactrian and Dromedary camels have an encephalization quotient (EQ) value of 1.3, which is a similar level to the intelligence of the African elephant and greater than that of the horse. Camels graze like sheep and browse like antelopes. They move while feeding no matter how rich or poor the vegetation. The movement of the camel called the camel's gait is a pace, with both legs on a side moving together.
The feral camels in Australia are also known to be aggressive when they encounter herds of domestic livestock such as cattle, sheep or goats. They can also be dangerously territorial towards people, especially females with newly-born camels and males in their rut.
Camels live in deserts, where it is hot and dry. They have adapted and found ways to help them survive in deserts. Camels have a thick coat of hair that protects them from the heat during the day and keeps them warm at night. Their large feet spread their weight on the sand when they are walking. In the wild, camels will gather near sources of water. Bactrian camels are often friendly and are easy to domesticate for use in transport and riding. Males can easily carry over 400 lbs. Males can be aggressive during the breeding season and will defend their harem against other males. Desert camels that aid thermoregulation and the maintenance of water balance include timing of activity, diet selection, use of microhabitats, social behaviours, body orientation, migration and timing of reproduction.
Camels, known for their resilience and ability to withstand harsh desert conditions, have a fascinating reproductive cycle. Camels reproduce once and can birth up to two offspring every two years. Female camels, called cows, reach sexual maturity at around three to four years of age, while male camels or bulls become sexually mature between the ages of five and six. The breeding season usually occurs during the cooler months when there is ample food available for nourishment. During this time, male camels engage in fierce battles over mating rights with other males by biting and kicking each other. This time male camel blows through the dulaa to push it outside the mouth which looks like a red balloon and uses saliva to create a low gurgle. The size of the dulaa indicates the male's virility to the female.
On the other hand, the female estrous cycle is about 13-40 days and receptivity usually lasts between three and four days. The male dromedary can mate with 50 to 80 females a season when he is in good condition and the Bactrian male mates with 10 females per season. In Somalia, the calving interval is 24 months.
Once a female camel becomes pregnant, she carries her calves for 12 to 14 months before giving birth. A pregnant camel is called A git. When it's time to give birth, the mother camel will find a secluded spot away from the herd. A mother can even stop mid-labour and hold onto her baby for weeks if she feels it isn't the right time. After one of the longest gestation periods among mammals, resulting in one or two offspring. Camel cows can birth up to two offspring every two years but more than one is rare.
Baby camels are mammals that depend on their mothers from birth for survival. Like many other mammalian creatures, a baby camel is called a calf. A few examples of animals that share this name are baby elephants, baby cows and even baby giraffes. Camel's calves are born at an average birth weight of 79 pounds, that's a big baby. Calves can stand, walk and run two hours after being birth and will nurse from their mother for a year and a half. Some calves are born completely white and turn brown as their adult coat comes in. Camels are born without humps. The bond between mother and calf is incredibly strong in camels. The mother provides essential nourishment through her milk for up to two years, which helps strengthen the young camel's immune system. During this time, calves learn vital skills from their mothers including how to find food sources such as grasses and plants that can sustain them in harsh desert environments. The average life expectancy of a camel is 40 to 50 years.
Camels, known for their remarkable adaptability to harsh environments, have long been a symbol of resilience and endurance. However, even these mighty creatures are not without their share of dangers in the wild. From formidable predators to environmental threats, camels face numerous challenges that test their survival instincts.
Camels live in arid environments, like deserts and scrublands. In the vast deserts where they roam, camels encounter various natural predators that pose a threat to their safety. One such predator is the African lion. Another significant predator is the elusive Arabian leopard. In the wild, Bactrian camels are at critical risk. The main natural predator that kills and eats these two-humped camels is the grey wolf. However, wild Bactrian camels are in much more danger from human hunters than they are from wolves. They are also hunted for sport and their meat. They are killed due to human conflict, as they compete with domestic camels for grazing and watering spots. When camels feel threatened they are famous for spitting, which is just a way for them to protect themselves. The "spit" is more like vomit, a combination of their stomach contents and saliva that they use to distract or bother whatever happens to get too close for comfort.
Many factors threaten its survival, including habitat loss and degradation, desertification due to climate change and hybridisation with the domestic Bactrian camel. Apart from predators, camels also face threats from environmental factors that can adversely affect their well-being. From overgrazing fragile vegetation to transmitting deadly diseases, the camel's presence is raising alarms in various parts of the world. One of the primary concerns regarding camels is their impact on native flora and fauna. As desert-adapted herbivores, they rely heavily on vegetation for sustenance. However, their large appetites combined with rapidly expanding herds have led to destructive overgrazing in vulnerable ecosystems.
According to the FAO live animals statistics, the worldwide camel population is 35 million across more than 90 countries, most of which are in Somalia, Sudan, Niger, Kenya, Chad, Ethiopia, Mali, Mauritania and Pakistan. It is widely believed that Somalia has more camels than any other country on Earth. There are 26 million domesticated Bactrian camels in the world, compared with only 950 wild camels, scattered in small groups across northwest China and southwest Mongolia. The one-humped dromedary makes up 94% of the world's camel population and the two-humped Bactrian camel makes up 6%.
The wild Bactrian camel is a separate species and is now critically endangered. It is believed that only between six hundred and a thousand Bactrian camels remain in the wild. Bactrian camels are critically endangered in the wild due to hunting and competition with other livestock for food. Fewer than 1,000 individuals are remaining in their native range in the Gobi Desert in northern China and Mongolia – making them the eighth most endangered large mammal in the world.
This rise in numbers can be attributed to various factors. Firstly, the demand for camel milk and meat has grown significantly due to their perceived health benefits and unique taste. As a result, camel farming has become a profitable venture for many farmers who have embraced this alternative livestock option. Additionally, the tourism industry has also played a role in boosting camel populations as they are increasingly used for recreational activities such as desert safaris and camel racing. However, with the surge in population numbers comes certain challenges that need to be addressed.
The camel, often referred to as the ship of the desert, holds a significant place in various cultures across the globe. This magnificent animal has been domesticated for thousands of years and has played a crucial role in human civilizations. Its importance cannot be understated, especially in arid regions where water and vegetation are scarce.
Zoos around the world have recognized the appeal of camels and have included them as part of their diverse animal collections. These magnificent creatures have found their place in zoos worldwide, captivating audiences with their unique features and intriguing behaviour.
Camels are known for their distinctive humps and ability to endure harsh desert environments. In the zoo setting, they offer an opportunity for individuals to learn about these remarkable mammals up close. Visitors can observe their long eyelashes that protect them from sandstorms and marvel at their ability to store fat in their humps as an energy reserve. The camels' thick fur helps insulate them during chilly nights while keeping them cool under scorching sun rays during the day. In addition to being educational, seeing camels in a zoo setting allows for unique experiences like camel rides or feeding sessions, where visitors can interact with these gentle giants. One significant advantage of having camels in zoos is the conservation efforts they support.
Camel belongs to Kingdom Animalia and the Phylum is Chordata. They are classified in the family Camelidae, which is further divided into two subfamilies:
The Old World camels consist of the dromedary camel, known for its single hump and the Bactrian camel, recognized for its double hump. It first appeared in North America 40 million years ago. North American camelid stock became extinct 10,000 years ago. New World camels comprise llamas, alpacas, guanacos and vicunas. They are represented as Living South American camelids.
The evolutionary history of camels can be traced back over 45 million years ago to North America. Fossil evidence shows that early camel ancestors were smaller in size compared to today's species. Camelops first appeared in the fossil record during the Late Pliocene of North America between 4 to 3 million years ago. Living camel species and Camelops share a North American ancestor: Paracamelus, which crossed the Bering Strait 7-6 million years ago from North America to Eurasia. As the Ice Age came, the camels moved south. On reaching the deserts they found themselves surprisingly suited to their new environment. Their big flat feet, evolved for spreading their weight over snow, helped them to walk on sand.
Camels have had a long and fascinating relationship with humans throughout history. These magnificent creatures have been domesticated for thousands of years, serving multiple purposes and playing crucial roles in various cultures worldwide. The relationships between humans and camels manifest in daily interactions and include, extensive knowledge, close affection and culinary preferences for its milk, meat to transportation.
Their ability to travel long distances without water makes them ideal for traversing vast arid landscapes. Moreover, their strong hooves allow them to walk on shifting sands with relative ease. This has made them essential companions for nomadic communities that need to move frequently in search of resources such as water and pasture. Beyond their practical uses, camels hold significant cultural and symbolic value in many societies. In the Middle East, they are often associated with hospitality and generosity, as offering a camel to a guest is considered a gesture of utmost respect. Furthermore, camels play crucial roles in traditional celebrations such as weddings and festivals. They are adorned with vibrant decorations and paraded through the streets, enhancing the festive atmosphere while reinforcing the deep-rooted connection between humans and these remarkable animals. Camels produce nutrient-rich milk which is often consumed by locals or used to make traditional dairy products like cheese and yogurt.
The conservation status of camels is a matter of increasing concern, as these iconic desert animals face numerous threats to their survival. Camels are classified into two species: the dromedary camel, which has a single hump and is found in the Middle East and North Africa, and the Bactrian camel, which has two humps and is native to Central Asia. Both species are currently listed as Least Concern on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List. However, this classification does not reflect the challenges that camels are encountering in various regions.
One of the primary threats to camels stems from habitat loss due to human activities such as urbanization, agriculture expansion, and infrastructure development. As desert ecosystems increasingly experience encroachment by human settlements, camels are losing their natural habitats and sources of food.
Dromedary camels and Bactrian camels are two distinct species of camels, each with its unique characteristics.