Arabian Camel or Dromedary
 
 

Camels are large mammals that live in dry areas. There are two types of camels: the one-humped camel
(the Arabian Camel or Dromedary) and the two-humped camel (the Bactrian Camel). The Arabian camels
are found in the very hot deserts of North Africa and the Middle East. Bactrian camels are found in the
rocky deserts and steppes of Asia that get very hot and very cold.

The Hump: The camel's hump contains fat (and NOT water). The camel can go without food and water
for 3 to 4 days. It is well adapted to desert life.

Anatomy: Camels are very strong mammals with wide, padded feet. They have thick leathery pads on
their knees and chest. Camels have nostrils that can open and close, protecting them from the desert
environment. Bushy eyebrows and two rows of long eyelashes protect their eyes from sand. Their mouth
is extremely tough, allowing camels to eat thorny desert plants. Camels are over 7 feet (2 m) tall at the
hump and weigh in excess of 1,600 pounds (725 kg).

Diet: Camels are herbivores (plant-eaters). Most camels are domesticated and are fed by people; they eat
dates, grass, wheat, and oats.