Main Characteristics

Dromedary Camels are one of two camel species, the other being the bactrian camel. They have a body length between 2.2 and 3.4 m (7.25 - 11 ft), a tail length of approximately 50 cms (20 inches) and they weigh between 450 and 550 kgs (990 - 1,210 lbs).

They are one-humped domesticated camels that are extinct in the wild. Their fur is cream to brown or black in colour and they have a double row of lashes and brows to keep sand out of their eyes.

They have many adaptations to desert life including having the ability to lose up to 40% of their body weight when food and water are scarce and allowing their body temperature to rise in hot conditions in order to reduce sweating and to conserve moisture.

Habitat

Domesticated Dromedary Camels can be found in north and east Africa and west and south Asia. An introduced feral population can be found in Australia and these are the only population that exhibit wild behaviour.

They form small herds consisting of females, youngsters and one male who defends the group by biting, spitting and leaning on opponents.

Diet

Dromedary Camels feed on a huge variety of plants including salty and thorny species. They are also known to scavenge on bones and dried carcasses.

Breeding



Predators



Subspecies

There are no subspecies of Dromedary Camel.

Interesting Facts

Dromedary Camels are also known as:
Arabian Camel

Similar Animals

Bactrian Camel
Vicuña
Guanaco
Alpaca
Llama