Camels

In the last 100 years, the number of animals has greatly been reduced, with over 5000 animal species under the threat of becoming extinct.  More than 180 species of mammals are also endangered, according to The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).  Looking back at camel evolutionary history, dozens of camel species have gone…

To feel well-rested and have more energy, mammals need to sleep. Different creatures need different amounts of sleep, different places to sleep, and different “positions” to sleep in. Some sleep while standing, some laying down, and some even keep their eyes semi-open while dozing off. But what about camels? Do camels sleep? And how do…

In almost any literature that you read on camels, you will find the following statement: Currently extant, there are 3 species of camels (Camelus) – the one-humped domestic Dromedary camel, the two-humped domestic Bactrian camel, and the two-humped Wild Bactrian camel.  There is no mention of a camel with more than two humps. So does…

Camels are some of the most extraordinary animals that ever lived on Earth. Adapted to the grueling conditions of African deserts and Asian steppes, these camelids have evolved to thrive on land.  They developed a hump that acts as fat tissue storage and allows them to survive when food is not available.  Their thick fur…

Camels are known today for inhabiting the desert regions of the Middle East and North Africa as well as colder steppes and deserts of Asia.  However, camel evolution started at a completely different place. Camel origin can be traced back to a place you’d least expect to find a camel at, a rainforest. Camel Evolution…

Camels are known as ships of the desert. And what strikes a better image of a desert than a long camel caravan crossing the harsh conditions of African and Asian dunes? But, believe it or not, camels did not originate in the deserts of Asia or Africa. So where did camels originate, you might ask?…