camels

Camels are even-toed ungulates in the family Camelidae. The two best-known species are the dromedary camel (Camelus dromedarius), which has a single hump, and the Bactrian camel (Camelus bactrianus), which has two humps. A third form, the wild Bactrian camel (Camelus ferus), survives in the deserts of northern China and southern Mongolia and is classified as critically endangered; some classifications treat it as a subspecies of C. bactrianus.

Camels are well adapted to arid environments. Their humps store fat, which can be metabolized for energy during scarce food periods. They can tolerate substantial dehydration and drink large amounts of water rapidly when it becomes available. Their nostrils can be closed against sand, and they have long eyelashes and a thick coat that helps protect against harsh desert conditions. The coat can be shed seasonally to help regulate temperature.

Diet consists mainly of grasses, shrubs, and other desert vegetation. Camels can graze or browse effectively and their mouths are adapted to chewing thorny plants. They typically travel in herds led by a dominant individual, with social structures varying between species and populations.

Humans have domesticated camels for thousands of years, using them as pack animals and for riding, as well as sources of milk, meat, and hides. They are central to many cultures in the Sahel, the Arabian Peninsula, Central Asia, and parts of the Indian subcontinent. In some regions, camels are also used in racing and sport.

Reproduction generally occurs after reaching maturity at a couple of years. Gestation lasts about 13 months, usually resulting in a single calf. Calves are weaned over several months. In captivity, camels commonly live around 40–50 years; lifespans can be shorter in the wild.