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Dromedary Camel

Camelus dromedarius

Photo by Sachin Zaveri
Published on Project Noah
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27.0683, 70.907

Field Notes

Description:

A camel is an even-toed ungulate within the genus Camelus, bearing distinctive fatty deposits known as humps on its back. There are two species of camels: the dromedary or Arabian camel has a single hump, and the bactrian has two humps. Dromedaries are native to the dry desert areas of West Asia, and Bactrian camels are native to Central and East Asia. Both species are domesticated; they provide milk and meat, and are working animals.
The term camel is derived via Latin and Greek from Hebrew or Phoenician gāmāl, possibly from a verb root meaning 'to bear/carry'

Habitat:

Their mouth is very sturdy, able to chew thorny desert plants. Long eyelashes and ear hairs, together with sealable nostrils, form a barrier against sand. Their gait and their widened feet help them move without sinking into the sand.

Notes:

Camel cavalry have been used in wars throughout Africa, the Middle East and into modern-day Border Security Force of India. Armies have also used camels as freight animals instead of horses and mules.
They can kick in all four directions with each of their legs.

Species ID Suggestions

Camelus dromedarius

Comments (5)

Thanks Nopayahnah, Gerardo Aizpuru & MaryEvans2 @ MaryEvans2 not notices in detailed but will look forward for the same, but many on them at Sam with pierced nose and some are also with pierced ears for earrings.
Wonderful photos, but I can't help but notice that his nose is pierced for the reins. I find this interesting and can't help but wonder why they do not use bits in their mouths like the ones we use on horses. Do they have tender mouths, or is that just a practice that has been done over the years? though I have seen many photos of camels, never one with the nose pierced like this.
Photographed
PublishedFebruary 28, 2012

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