dromedary

The dromedary, Camelus dromedarius, also called the Arabian camel, is a domesticated camel with a single hump. It belongs to the family Camelidae and is the most numerous camel species, kept for milk, meat, hides, and as a draft or pack animal.

Adults stand about 1.8–2.2 meters at the shoulder and weigh about 400–600 kilograms. The single hump stores fat, not water. The animal has long legs, a narrow muzzle, and distinctive eyelashes and nostrils that close to protect from sand. It can tolerate extreme heat and conserve water, reducing sweating.

Native to arid regions of North Africa, the Arabian Peninsula, and the Horn of Africa, domesticated dromedaries are now found across desert regions of Asia and Africa, with feral populations in Australia and other areas where they were introduced.

Diet is herbivorous, browsing shrubs and grasses. Dromedaries can go long periods without water, drinking large quantities when available. They are social animals that form herds, with behavioral cues communicated through vocalizations and body language.

Reproduction: Gestation about 15 months; single calf; weaning at 6–12 months; females may give birth every two years. Lifespan is roughly 40–50 years in captivity and shorter in the wild.

Uses and culture: Milk is a staple in many regions; meat, leather, and transport are important products. Dromedaries enable long-distance trade and desert travel; camel racing and cultural symbolism also accompany their presence.

Conservation: The species Camelus dromedarius is listed as Least Concern by the IUCN; no widely recognized wild population exists, though feral herds occur in some areas. Threats include drought, overgrazing, habitat loss, and disease.