Arabian camel

Arabian Camel or Dromedary (Camelus dromedarius) is a large, even-toed ungulate with one hump on its back. It is the smallest of the three species of camel and is native to the dry desert areas of Western Asia, and the Arabian Peninsula.

Description

The Arabian Camel is distinguished by its single hump, unlike the Bactrian Camel which has two. The hump, which can store up to 80 pounds of fat, allows the camel to survive for long periods without food or water. The Arabian Camel is well adapted to its harsh desert environment. Its long legs keep its body away from the hot desert surface, and its feet are broad and tough, enabling it to walk easily over sand.

Habitat and Distribution

Arabian Camels are found in the deserts of North Africa, the Middle East, and parts of South Asia. They are well adapted to live in these harsh environments, and can survive in temperatures ranging from freezing cold to extreme heat.

Diet

The Arabian Camel is a herbivore, feeding on a variety of plants, including grasses, leaves, and shrubs. They can eat thorny plants without injury thanks to their tough mouths.

Reproduction

Female Arabian Camels give birth to a single calf after a gestation period of around 13 months. The calf can walk and run within a few hours of birth.

Domestication

Arabian Camels have been domesticated for thousands of years and are used for transportation, milk, meat, and wool. They are also used in racing and as beasts of burden.

Conservation Status

The Arabian Camel is not currently considered to be at risk of extinction. However, it faces threats from habitat loss and hunting.

See Also

• Camel
• Bactrian Camel
• Arabian Peninsula
• Desert