Camelus dromedarius
Dromedary camels come from North and East Africa and the Middle East. They live only in domestication, having been introduced in several other places of the world. They can withstand extremely high temperatures, but are not as equipped as Bactrian camels for very low temperatures. Their single hump stores fat, part of which can be converted into water, when in need. Dromedaries can endure periods of up to 17 days without drinking, but when they do drink, they can take up to 30 gallons of water. They feed mainly on desert vegetation that other animals do not like, but can consume practically anything when food is scarce. They have webbed feet to prevent sinking in the sand, closable nostrils, and a double row of eyelashes to keep the sand out.
The above picture was taken at the Berlin Zoo, Germany, in August 2010.
Genus Camelus
Family Camelidae
Order Artiodactyla
Subclass Eutheria
Class Mammalia
Subphylum Vertebrata
Phylum Chordata
Kingdom Animalia
Life on Earth
Index