CAMELS - "Ships of the Desert"

HISTORY:

The camel family evolved in North America at least 40 million years ago. From a time about 2 million years ago to about 11,500 years ago, camels developed into a distinct species and apparently moved westward across Alaska, crossed the land bridge over the Bering Strait to western Asia and eventually to Africa. In Asia, two groups separated and gradually became the two chief kinds of camels known today: the dromedary (one hump) and the Bactrian (two humps). The dromedary is also known as the Arabian camel and is found mainly in Africa and the Middle East. The Bactrian camel is found mainly in Asia.
Camels were introduced into Australia about 1840 and a few feral animals exist in the wilds there today. In the 1850's the U.S. Army brought about 120 camels from Africa and Asia to work in the desert. Soon the railroads did the work faster and cheaper than the camels could so the Army sold most of the camels. Some escaped and lived wild in Arizona until about 1905.

CHARACTERISTICS:

Commonly camel's fur is all shades of brown from almost white to almost black. There are some white and spotted camels but these are rare. The adult camel will stand 6 feet tall at the shoulder, 7 feet tall at the hump, and can weigh up to 1500 pounds. The ears are small and lined with fur, but the hearing is acute. The eyes are large with a soft expression. They are protected by a double row of long eyelashes to help keep out dust and sand, while thick bushy eyebrows shield the eyes from the sun. Camel's feet are broad, flat, leathery pads with two toes. When the camel places its foot on the ground the pads spread, preventing the foot from sinking into the sand. The camel walks by moving both feet on one side of the body and then both feet on the other side which looks like the rolling motion of a boat.
The hump of a camel does not store water! It is a mound of fatty tissue from which it draws energy when food is hard to find.
The life span of a camel is about 40 years.

TEMPERAMENT:

Camels have the reputation of being bad-tempered and obstinate creatures who spit and kick. In reality, they tend to be good-tempered, patient and intelligent.

CARE:

Camels are a very hardy animal. They are easy to feed and vet care is minimal. They do require housing during bad weather and tall sturdy fences.