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The camels

Camels

By M.R.FATHIMA HASBANAPublished 11 months ago 3 min read
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The camels
Photo by james ballard on Unsplash

Camel is a type of mammal from the Camelidae family, well-known for its long body and for its ability to preserve water and survive in extremely dry climates. Camels have many adaptations that have enabled them to thrive in the world’s most arid regions, from the deserts of the Middle East to the deserts of the American Southwest.

The two most common species of camel are the Arabian camel (or dromedary) and the double-humped Bactrian camel. The Arabian camel is the one most people are familiar with, having one hump on its back. The Bactrian camel, however, has two humps. Both varieties have long, curved necks, full lips to better eat tough vegetation, and broad, padded feet to help them traverse the desert sands. Their eyelashes and bushy eyebrows keep sand from getting into their eyes and their nostrils can be closed to keep sand out of their lungs while breathing in the dry air.

Camels are herbivores, meaning they feed mainly on vegetation. They can eat a variety of plants, including grasses, thistles, and prickly pear pads, as well as occasional vegetation or leaves. Most camels can go for long periodswithout drinking and can survive in areas with limited amounts of water. Since these animals can also store up to thirty liters of water and fat in their humps to use when necessary, camels are said to be "adapted to water-stress". Besides adaptation to scarce water availability, camels require little food to survive. Before an extended voyage through the desert, they are able to store enough energy to allow them to survive for longer periods of time without sustenance.

Apart from surviving in the harsh environments, camels serve a number of purposes to different cultures and societies all over the world. The animals are used as beasts of burden to transport goods and people in some parts of the world, while in others camels are taken to shows and races to test the animals' speed and endurance. Moreover, many herders believe that owning camels will bring them luck and health. In some Middle Eastern countries, camels are also used as pets. In hot, arid climates, camels are a common sight. Although two main species exist, there are numerous other varieties of camels such as the Somali camel, the Wild Bactrian camel and the semi-domesticated Kiangs. The Camel, with its adaptations to the desert climate and ability to thrive even in the most challenging environment, is truly an awe-inspiring animaland, for this reason, remains an important part of the world’s history and culture. From the Middle Eastern deserts to the plains of the American Southwest, the unique and dependable Camel will no doubt continue to play an important role in the world’s ever-changing ecosystems...

How to live camels in desert

1. Provide ample shade and shelter: Your camels need a place to escape the harsh desert sun, so make sure to give them shade and shelter. Trees, a wall, shade cloth or a roof will all give your camels much needed relief.

2. Create a water source: Camels need access to clean, fresh water, so be sure to provide a water source. This can be a bucket of water, a stream or even a regular supply of fresh drinking water from a tap.

3. Provide food: Though a camel’s diet consists mainly of plants, it’s important to provide your camel with enough food. Some feeds specifically designed for camels are available. Provide plenty of hay and clean forage, along with salt or mineral blocks for extra nutrition.

4. Monitor their health: Camels canbe susceptible to diseases or parasites so make sure to regularly monitor their health and check for signs of illness. Vaccines against diseases like clostridial, pinkeye and tetanus are also available.

5. Provide space to roam: Finally, give your camels enough space to roam. They need plenty of room to move around and graze on the plants in the area. Building a secure fence around your camel’s habitat is also recommended...

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