(Camelus dromedarius)
The Dromedary Camel is perfectly adapted to living in dry, desert conditions. They have long hair around their ears and eyes to protect them against the harsh sun and sand, and they are also able to close their nostrils to keep out sand. The callused skin on their knees and chest protect them against the hot sand when they are sitting, and their broad, leathery foot pads prevent their feet from sinking into the soft sand.
The camel's distinctive hump is actually a fat reserve that produces energy and water when metabolised by the body. This is especially helpful for periods when food supplies are scarce. If a camel goes without food for an extended period the hump will actually shrink until it is just skin. Camels are also well known for their ability to go without water for a very long time. After a period without water a thirsty camel may drink over 20 gallons in 10 minutes. This water is stored in its bloodstream!
They have flexible lips adapted to gripping and drawing food into the mouth. The split upper lip acts like fingers to aid this function. Their lips are thick to protect against thorns and other prickly vegetation.
Habitat
Dromedary or one-humped camels are found in the deserts of the Middle East, Arabia, Africa and Australia. Worldwide, there is a population of around 17 million camels. Today it is estimated around 80,000-200,000 wild Dromedary Camels range through the arid and semi-arid parts of Western Australia, the Northern Territory, western Queensland and northern South Australia. Habitat preference is determined by climatic and nutritional conditions. During winter, camels prefer open plains, salt marshes and lakes, while in summer they prefer dense bush country with trees for shade.
Diet
In the wild camels eat whatever shrubs, trees and grasses are available. They can eat up to 80% of the vegetation in their habitat, including saltbush and cactus. Camels have three stomachs for fermenting plant matter, and 60 metres of intestine which enable them to extract the maximum nutrients from their food.
Breeding
Camels become sexually mature from 2-3 years of age. Bull camels (sexually mature males) are in 'rut' from May to October. They defend their herd of cows (females) aggressively and have a sac of skin that inflates like a pink balloon out of the side of their mouth that they display during courtship. Pregnancy lasts for 13 months and females give birth to a single calf whilst standing up. Calves are weaned at 1 1/2 to 2 years old.
