Classroom Resources

There are three species of camels and they live in two different parts of the world. Arabian camels have one hump and live in North Africa, the Middle East, and other parts of Asia. Bactrian camels have two humps and live in central Asian countries like China, Kazakhstan, and Mongolia among others. A hybrid cross of these two and has one large hump across its back, but isn’t considered its own species. The third species of camel is a truly wild two-humped camel of China and Mongolia called camelus ferus.

Strictly speaking, no, they regurgitate. Being ruminants (cud chewers, like cattle), camels vomit involuntarily when frightened or threatened. This is purely a defensive behavior, but can indicate harsh treatment or poor breeding.

30 years is a camel's life expectancy. They are full-grown around 8 years old and can work well in to their 20s.

Camels can grow to be as much as 2,000 pounds, but average 1500-1800 pounds. Males tend to be bigger than females. Baby camels weigh around 75 pounds at birth and stand 3 to 4 feet high.

Camels can be a variety of colors, from solid white to dark black and all shades in between. There are even white camels with black and brown spots in parts of Africa.

Fat. Storybooks and movies may tell us that the hump is full of water, but this is a myth. The hump is the reason a camel can go so long without eating or drinking. The fat is reabsorbed, or metabolized, by the blood to provide nutrition in times of need. When drawn upon, the hump will shrink in size.

There can be a lack of connective tissue in the humps, but there is no negative impact on workability for Bactrian camels with floppy humps.

Female camels carry their young for 13 months, then give birth to a single offspring. Twins are extremely rare.

Almost anything that grows! From the rare grasses to the thorniest bushes and cacti, camels can't be choosy, because so little grows in the desert. While they can be fed hay and grain, native camel owners try to browse their camels in areas known for abundant and diverse plant life.

In the winter, when hydration needs are lower, a camel could go without drinking for up to 30 days, obtaining needed moisture from green plants. Standard practice, though, is to offer water every 3-4 days anytime of year.