CAMEL
Camelus dromedarius
DESCRIPTION
The dromedary camel, or Camelus dromedarius, is a large, even-toed ungulate known for its distinctive single hump. It is well adapted to arid environments and is primarily found in desert regions.
FUN FACTS
- Dromedaries can drink up to 40 gallons of water in one go | They can tolerate body temperature changes of up to 6 degrees Celsius | Their hump stores fat, which can be converted to energy when food is scarce
QUICK INFO
Lifespan40-50 years in captivity, 20-30 years in the wild
Average Weight400-600 kg
Average Length2.0-3.0 m
Diet TypeHerbivore
Social Structuregroup — typically found in herds of varying sizes
Activity PatternDiurnal
Breeding SeasonYear-round, with peaks depending on the region
- Habitat
- Dromedary camels inhabit arid and semi-arid regions, particularly deserts. They are well-suited to extreme temperatures and can travel long distances in search of food and water.
- Biomes
- Desert, Semi-arid
- Native Range
- Native to the Middle East and North Africa, with populations also found in parts of South Asia.
- Continent
- Asia, Africa
- Countries
- Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Sudan, Somalia, United Arab Emirates, India
- Diet
- Dromedaries are herbivores that primarily consume dry grasses, grains, and shrubs. They can survive on very little water and can eat thorny plants that other animals avoid.
- Diet Type
- Herbivore
- Favorite Food
- grasses, grains, shrubs
- Social Structure
- group — typically found in herds of varying sizes
- Activity Pattern
- Diurnal
- Group Size
- 5-30
- Territorial
- 0
LC
LC
VU
400-600 kg
Weight
2.0-3.0 m
Length
1.8 m at shoulder
Height (Shoulder)
- Coloration
- light brown to tan, with variations depending on the environment
- Sexual Dimorphism
- males are generally larger than females
- Lifespan
- 40-50 years in captivity, 20-30 years in the wild
- Gestation Period
- 13 months
- Offspring per Birth
- 1
- Sexual Maturity
- 3-4 years
- Breeding Season
- Year-round, with peaks depending on the region
LC
Least Concern
IUCN Red List Status
- Population Status
- The population of dromedary camels is stable, with millions domesticated worldwide.
- Wild Population Estimate
- unknown
- Population Trend
- Stable
- Endangered
- 0
- Threats
- Main threats include habitat loss and competition with livestock. Climate change also poses risks to their natural habitats.
- Predators
- wolves, lions, and large birds of prey
- Defense Mechanisms
- Camels can spit, kick, and bite when threatened.
- Compatible Animals
- goats, sheep, donkeys
- Found in Zoos
- Common