Kingdom : Animalia Class : Mammalia Family : Camelidae Scientific Name : Camelus dromedarius Group : Mammal Colour : Cream, Tan, Brown, Black Skin Type : Hair Size(L) : 2.2m -3.5m ( 7.25ft - 11.5ft) Weight : 300kg - 690kg ( 660lbs - 1,500lbs) Top Speed : 64kph (40mph) Life Span : 40 - 50 years Distinctive Features : Long, curved neck and large hump Fun Fact : Can survive without water for 10 months!
- The camels are large hoofed animals commonly found in the deserts of North Africa and Middle East.
- They are also known as the Dromedary Camels, Arabian Camels and the One-Humped Camels.
- Their short thick fur protects them from hot sun during the day and the cool temperatures at night.
- Their two toes can be stretched apart and help them from sinking in the desert sand.
- They can wonderfully adapt to the harsh temperatures and scarcity of food and water in deserts.
- They are widely domesticated and provide a vital means of transportation and food to the local people.
- They are known to move in herds with females and young ones led by a single dominant male.
- They store fat and water in their humps which provides them with vital energy during scarcity of food.
- Incredibly, they can survive without water for around 10 months!.
- Despite their huge size, Camels have very few sweat glands in their bodies which prevent water loss.
- Interestingly, their oval shaped blood cells facilitate easy blood flow even when they are dehydrated.
- They are known to feed on thorny plants and plants with high salt content.
- They have an ability to drink up to 40 gallons of water in a short time.
- They are known to breed from November to march.
- Female camels give birth to a single calf after a 13-month gestation.
- Camels are now extinct in the wild but are quite common as domestic animals.