Oct 14, 2024
Camels are mammals with fat-storing humps—dromedaries have one, while Bactrians have two. They adapt well to harsh environments using clear third eyelids, long lashes to protect their eyes, and the ability to close their nostrils during sandstorms.
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Bactrian camels are notably large, towering over humans. According to the San Diego Zoo, they reach a shoulder height of 6 feet (1.8 m) and a body length of 10 feet (3 m). Fully grown, they weigh between 1,320 to 2,200 lbs. (600 to 1,000 kg).
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For thousands of years, humans have used camels for transport, as they can carry 170 to 270 kg (375 to 600 lbs). This ability earned them the nickname ships of the desert. Beyond transport, domestic camels provide vital resources like meat, milk, leather, and wool.
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Camels aren't fussy eaters. Thanks to their thick lips, they can consume tough and thorny plants that other animals avoid. Despite this, camels are herbivores, meaning their diet consists only of plants, and they won’t eat meat.
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Camels efficiently manage water intake, drinking up to 30 gallons (113 litres) within 13 minutes when it's available. Their ability to rehydrate faster than any other mammal helps them survive in harsh desert environments.
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Dromedary camels, found in North Africa and the Middle East, and Bactrian camels from Central Asia, thrive in deserts, prairies, and steppes. Contrary to popular belief, camels can endure temperatures ranging from -29°C to 49°C, making them highly adaptable to diverse climates.
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Camels are social animals that live in herds led by a dominant male. Other males often form bachelor herds. Camels greet each other in a unique way—by blowing in each other’s faces, strengthening social bonds within the group.
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Camels are notorious for spitting at people, but this behaviour serves a purpose. When threatened, they eject the contents of their stomach along with saliva as a defensive tactic. This unusual response is a way for them to deter potential threats in their environment.
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After a 12 to 14-month gestation, a mother camel gives birth, usually to one calf, although twins can occur. The newborn calf can walk within 30 minutes but stays with its mother for about two weeks. Camels reach maturity at seven years and can live around 17 years.
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The wild Bactrian camel is critically endangered, with a declining population, making it one of the most endangered large mammals. According to the Wild Camel Protection Foundation, fewer than 1,000 wild camels remain, highlighting the urgent need for conservation efforts.
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