Characteristics of a Camel

The Camelidae family comprises both camels and the South American llamas and their relatives. Only two living species of camel exist in this family: the Bactrian and dromedary. The Bactrian camel is considered extinct in the wild due to being a mainly domesticated species. The dromedary has two subspecies, the one that is domesticated and the wild variety.

  1. Physical Description

    • Both species of camel are large mammals. The largest is the Bactrian camel which grows to over 7 feet in height and weighs up to 1,800 lbs. The dromedary is around the same height but weighs less, at 1,600 lbs. The other main difference between the species is that the Bactrian camel has two humps compared to the dromedary's one. Both species have adaptations for arid habitats which include thick eyelashes, hair in the ears and the ability to close the nostrils. These adaptations protect against sand that may be carried on the wind.

    Range and Habitat

    • The Bactrian camel lives in the desert regions of central and east Asia which can have temperatures ranging from 100 degrees Fahrenheit to 20 below zero. Because of this the camel grows a thick insulating coat in winter which it sheds in the hotter months. The dromedary camel lives in the hot, arid regions of North Africa, India and the Middle East. Populations have been introduced to Australia and live as feral animals in the country's outback. Australia is one of the few places where the dromedary lives wild.

    Diet

    • Both species of camel are herbivores and feed on a wide range of hardy desert plants which are generally high in salt. The camel's ability to for last long periods without water comes from the high salt content of the food, which helps it to store water in the body. Small prickly desert shrubs are the most common foods, with the animal's thick, tough lips protecting against the sharp thorns.

    Life Cycle

    • Both species of camel are naturally social animals living in groups known as flocks or caravans. The groups have a dominant male that breeds with all the females and will fight off other males. The species' breeding season depends on the region in which they live. Females usually only give birth to one offspring, but may sometimes have twins. Pregnancies for both species last a little over a year, and the young camels are independent after one to two years. Both species have a lifespan of around 40 to 50 years.