Arabian Camel (Dromedary) | National Geographic

Please be respectful of copyright. Unauthorized use is prohibited.Common Name: Arabian camels (Dromedaries)Scientific Name: Camelus dromedariusType: MammalsDiet: HerbivoreGroup Name: Caravan, flockSize: Over 7 feet tall at the humpWeight: Up to 1,600 poundsSize relative to a 6-ft man:

IUCN Red List Status: ? Not evaluated LCNTVUENCREWEX Least Concern Extinct Current Population Trend: Unknown

The ancient camel question is: One hump or two? Arabian camels, also known as dromedaries, have only one hump, but they employ it to great effect. The hump stores up to 80 pounds of fat, which a camel can break down into water and energy when sustenance is not available. These humps give camels their legendary ability to travel up to 100 desert miles without water. Camels rarely sweat, even in desert temperatures that reach 120°F, so when they do take in fluids they can conserve them for long periods of time. In winter, even desert plants may hold enough moisture to allow a camel to live without water for several weeks.

When camels do refill, however, they soak up water like a sponge. A very thirsty animal can drink 30 gallons of water in only 13 minutes.

Desert Adaptations

Other adaptations help dromedaries thrive in desert conditions. Their nostrils close to keep sand at bay, and they have bushy eyebrows and two rows of long eyelashes to protect their eyes. Large, tough lips enable them to pick at dry and thorny desert vegetation. Big, thick footpads help them navigate the rough rocky terrain and shifting desert sands.

Domestication

Arabian camels have been domesticated for approximately 3,500 years and have been long valued as pack animals. They can carry large loads for up to 25 miles a day. Some cultures judge a person's wealth based on the number of camels they own. Today, nearly all of the world's camels are domestic animals. They are found in northern Africa and southwestern Asia, and have been introduced to Australia.

ShareTweetEmailLegal

• Terms of Use
• Privacy Policy
• Your US State Privacy Rights
• Children's Online Privacy Policy
• Interest-Based Ads
• About Nielsen Measurement
• Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information

Our Sites

• Nat Geo Home
• Attend a Live Event
• Book a Trip
• Buy Maps
• Inspire Your Kids
• Shop Nat Geo
• Visit the D.C. Museum
• Watch TV
• Learn About Our Impact
• Support Our Mission
• Masthead
• Press Room
• Advertise With Us

Join Us

• Subscribe
• Customer Service
• Renew Subscription
• Manage Your Subscription
• Work at Nat Geo
• Sign Up for Our Newsletters
• Contribute to Protect the Planet

Follow usNational Geographic InstagramNational Geographic FacebookNational Geographic TwitterNational Geographic YoutubeNational Geographic LinkedinNational Geographic TiktokNational Geographic RedditUnited States (Change)

Copyright © 1996-2015 National Geographic SocietyCopyright © 2015-2026 National Geographic Partners, LLC. All rights reserved