Camel - Distribution and numbers

Camelus bactrianus Camelus dromedarius A camel is either of the two species of large even-toed ungulate in the genus Camelus, the Dromedary (single hump) and the Bactrian Camel (double hump). Both are native to the dry and desert areas of Asia and northern Africa. The term camel is also used more broadly, to describe any of the six camel-like creatures in the family Camelidae: the two true camels, and the four South American camelids: Llama, Alpaca, Guanaco and Vicuna. For an overview of the camel family, see Camelidae. For more information on the two tr ...

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• Camel - Distribution and numbers
• Camel - Camel Hybrids
• Camel - Adaptations to desert environment

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Although there are almost 13 million Dromedaries alive today, the species is extinct in the wild: all but a handful are domesticated animals (mostly in Sudan, Somalia, India and nearby countries), as well as South Africa, Namibia and Botswana. There is, however, a substantial feral population estimated at 700,000 in central parts of Australia, descended from individuals that escaped from captivity in the late 19th century. This population is growing at approximately 11% per year and in recent times the state government of South Australia has ...

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Camel, Camel - Distribution and numbers, Camel - Camel Hybrids

Read more here: » Camel: Encyclopedia II - Camel - Distribution and numbers

Bactrian camel have 2 humps and are rugged cold-climate camels while Dromedaries have one hump and are desert dwellers. Bactrian/Dromedary hybrids are called Bukhts, are larger than either parent, have a single hump and are good draft camels. The females can be mated back to a Bactrian to produce three-quarter bred riding camels. These hybrids are found in Kazakhstan. The Cama is a camel/llama hybrid bred by scientists who wanted to see how closely related the parent species were. The Dromedary Camel is a Llama, hence artificial insem ...

See also:

Camel, Camel - Distribution and numbers, Camel - Camel Hybrids

Read more here: » Camel: Encyclopedia II - Camel - Camel Hybrids

Camels are well known for their humps. They do not store water in them as is commonly believed. Their humps are a reservoir of fatty tissue, while water is stored in their blood. However, when this tissue is metabolized, it is not only a source of energy, but yields through reaction with oxygen from the air 1111 g of water per 1000 g of fat. This allows them to survive without water for about two weeks, and without food for up to a month. Their red blood cells have an oval shape, unlike those of other animals, which are circular. This ...

See also:

Camel, Camel - Distribution and numbers, Camel - Camel Hybrids, Camel - Adaptations to desert environment

Read more here: » Camel: Encyclopedia II - Camel - Adaptations to desert environment