Dromedary Camel

The dromedary camel, also known as the Arabian camel, is easily identified by its single distinctive hump, in contrast to its Bactrian cousin which has two. Adapted perfectly for desert environments, this iconic mammal is native to the arid regions of the Middle East and North Africa, though feral populations have also established themselves in Australia.

Dromedaries are impressively built to endure extreme conditions. Their long legs help keep their bodies away from the hot ground, while their thick eyelashes, bushy eyebrows, and closable nostrils protect them from sandstorms. Their humps store fat (not water), and this allows them to survive for long periods without eating. When fat reserves are used, the hump visibly shrinks and can lean to one side.

Highly social, dromedaries form groups known as caravans, typically led by a dominant male. They're also known for their calm but stubborn temperament, and their ability to travel over 40 km in a day, carrying heavy loads across desert terrain. These camels have played a crucial role in trade and transportation for centuries, earning them the nickname “ships of the desert.”

Their ability to conserve water is astonishing. Dromedaries can drink up to 100 litres of water in one go and lose up to 25% of their body weight through sweating without any ill effects, something that would be fatal to most other animals.

A dromedary camel's foot has two toes with thick, leathery pads that splay out like built-in snowshoes. This lets them walk across hot, shifting desert sand without sinking or burning their feet.