Fun Camel Facts For Kids

Deserts have always provided a challenge to humans and other animals due to their extreme weather conditions and low vegetation. However, one animal has evolved to be just perfectly suited to this life. Yes, we are talking about Camels. Often the only form of transport in deserts, Camels are classified into three types. They are the Arabian or Dromedary Camels, along with the domesticated and wild Bactrian Camels. Called the ‘Ship of the Desert,’ they are famous for going without water for a long time. These animals have humps on their back which store fat that can be broken down into food and water during extreme conditions. Camels are found mainly in the continents of Asia and Africa with a feral population of Arabian Camels found in Australia. They are quite abundant in number except for the Wild Bactrian Camels who are the only ones naturally occurring in the wild.So buckle up your camel saddle and read more about this wonderful creature. For more animal facts, check out Bactrian camel and fennec fox facts.‍

What do they prey on? N/A

What do they eat? Herbivores

Average litter size? 1

How much do they weigh? 660-2200 lb

How long are they? 7-11 ft

How tall are they? 5-7 ft

What do they look like? Light brownish to grayish

Skin Type Fur

What were their main threats? Habitat Loss

What is their conservation status? Least Concern (Domesticated) to Critically Endangered in IUCN Red List

Where you’ll find them? Temperate And Tropical Deserts

Locations Africa, China, India, Mongolia, Middle East, Introduced In Australia

Kingdom Animalia

Genus Camelus

Class Mammalia

Family Camelidae

Camel Interesting FactsWhat type of animal is a Camel?Camels are hoofed animals characterized by a fat-rich hump or two on their backs. There are three types of camels present in the world: Dromedary Camel (Camelus dromedarius) or Arabian Camel with the one hump, Bactrian Camel (Camelus bactrianus), and Wild Bactrian Camel (Camelus ferus) both of whom are known to have two humps.What class of animal does a Camel belong to?Camels belong to the class of Mammalia or mammals. They have the genus Camelus and the family Camelidae.How many Camels are there in the world?It can be estimated that there are around 14 million camels in the world. Of this 14 million, about 90% of the population is made up of Dromedary Camel or the Camelus dromedarius who have one hump. The remaining is made of the two-humped Bactrian Camel (Camelus bactrianus) with an estimation suggesting their numbers to be around 1.4 million. However, the Wild Bactrian Camels found mainly in China and Mongolia, are on the brink of extinction. There are just about 1000-1400 of this species left in the wild.Where do Camels live?Camels are known as the ‘Ships Of The Desert’ and thus it should not come as a surprise to people when we say that they are primarily found in the desert and semi-arid areas. The Dromedary Camel or the Arabian Camel species are domestic mammals and are usually found in places such as India and Africa along with having a feral population in Australia. Bactrians, on the other hand, are found in Asia especially in the countries of Mongolia, Kazakhstan, and China. The critically endangered Wild Bactrian Camels are protected in nature reserves of China and Mongolia.What is a Camel’s habitat?The Camel habitat is generally the desert or semi-arid regions. They are known to survive in extreme weather conditions (sand, water, food) which led to certain adaptations in these primarily domesticated mammals. Camels are humped, with Dromedaries having one camel hump while the other two species having two humps. These camel humps help them storing fat in the body which can be broken down by the ‘ships of the desert’ when they need to survive without food and water for long periods of time. There are misconceptions that Camels are only suitable in hot temperatures. However, Camels can survive equally well in colder temperatures as low as 20° F which is equivalent to nearly -29°C.Who do Camels live with?Camels are known to be very social animals who live and travel in herds. These herds are usually made up of one dominant alpha male and a number of females and young camels. This is true for all three species including the Dromedary Camels. Oftentimes, it has also been observed that males can also form their own separate herd known as the bachelor herd. The males in the bachelor herds are those that have been chased out of the herd.How long does a Camel live?Camels are known to live between the ages of 40-50 years. Dromedary Camels or Arabian Camels (Camelus dromedarius) are known to live for 40 years. Bactrian Camels are thought to live up to 50 years with their average age ranging between 20-40 years. Wild Bactrian Camels are not domesticated and they are also known to have a lifespan of 40 years.How do they reproduce?As animals, Camels have unique mating rituals. All three types of Camels have similar mating rituals. These animals are known to sit and mate. However, before mating, males may take part in fights with other males in order to win mating rights. These fights include biting, spitting, and even trying to see whether one can stand taller than the other. These fighting traits can be seen more prominently in domestic camels like the Dromedaries and the Bactrian Camels. Male Dromedary Camels have something called a Dulla, which is a sac-like organ in their neck. They inflate these sacs during the breeding season to attract females to them.Once the mating is done, females carry the baby in their body for a range of 12-15 months. The average gestation period is 14 months. After the end of these 14 months, the mother gives birth to the calf. Usually, one calf is produced per litter but twins have also been observed. The calves survive on the Camel milk from the body of the mother. They are nursed for around two years before they get separated to start their own herd.What is their conservation status?Bactrian Camels with their two humps and Dromedaries with their one hump are domesticated animals and have a large population spread throughout Asia, Africa, and Australia. These have been listed as Domesticated in the International Union For Conservation Of Nature or IUCN Red List. However, the Wild Bactrian Camel is not a domestic animal. They have been hunted for their camel meat in areas such as the Gobi Desert in Mongolia. With their population dwindling down to less than 1500, they have been listed as Critically Endangered by the International Union For Conservation Of Nature Red List.Camel Fun FactsWhat do Camels look like?Camels are often distinguished by the unique physical feature of the hump. Dromedary Camels have just one hump in a D-shaped formation on the back while both the domestic and wild Bactrian Camel back is observed to have two humps in a B-shaped formation. Apart from this, they have several adaptations for the sand-filled life in deserts. They are known to have long eyelashes that keep sand out of their eyes. They have long ear hairs and the ability to close their nostrils which protect them from the sand particles during a storm. If sand particles are lodged in the eye, a third eyelid helps Camels to dislodge them. Their foot, part of their long and sturdy legs, is also specially adapted with no soles and is widened in order to travel on the sand without sinking in them and losing speed. The Camel face or the camel skull is triangular and long. They have a very thick leather-type lining on their mouth and upper lips that are slit. This helps them in chewing the thorny plant food that is a part of their diet. Camel teeth are also interesting with them being softer in the Bactrian Camels while being harder in Dromedaries.Now, coming to the fur, Camels have a thick coat that helps them in regards to the extreme heat of the desert. They are usually yellowish, but camel color can range from being dark brown to almost white. Dromedary Camels are known to have less hair on their bodies when compared with the two Bactrian varieties.How cute are they?Camels with their humps and their bushy eyebrows can strike you as being cute. Their overall calm demeanor along with their extraordinary ability to go without food and water for days can also be a contributing factor to their cuteness quotient. However, you might not find them too appealing at times when you have observed them spit.How do they communicate?Camels are known to communicate with each other via certain vocalizations. Mothers and calves have been heard communicating via hums. Normal communication occurs with the help of loud bellows and moans. These magnificent beasts are also known to interact with the help of gestures such as blowing on each other’s faces as a sign of friendliness. Some researchers have also concluded that the position of the face and the eyes and the ears can convey various emotional states of the camels. For example, if the ears are indented forward they often indicate the fact that the camels are alert at that point.How big is a Camel?Camels are big creatures. However, the size of the camels somewhat varies among the three species. The Dromedary Camels stand at an average height range of 5.5-7 ft. Their hump is also usually more than 7.9 in. On the other hand, the domestic Bactrian variety is slightly taller with heights ranging from 6-7.5 ft. They are also known to reach 8 ft. Bactrian Camels are thought to be the largest camels with their length reaching up to 11 ft. Compared to average human beings they are slightly taller, but lengthwise they are almost double the size of humans.How fast can Camels run?Camels are actually fast runners. Although often found strolling through the desert sand, Camels are known to run at 40 mph in short bursts of pace. For long periods, Camels maintain a speed that is somewhere around 20-25 mph.How much does a Camel weigh?Camels have an average weight that ranges from 600-2200 lb. The Bactrians weigh more on average than the Dromedaries. However, there is some amount of sexual dimorphism present with females weighing lesser than the males for all three species.What are their male and female names of the species?Male camels are called bulls while female camels are known as cows.What would you call a baby Camel?Baby Camels are known as calves. Interestingly, a calf has the ability to walk 30 minutes after its birth.What do they eat?The camel diet included thorns, saltbush, and short and dry leaves that are found in the desert. However, the way they drink water is astonishing. Camels can drink up to 53 US gal of water in three minutes. That is absolutely incredible!Are they dangerous?Camels have been domesticated for thousands of years and aren’t dangerous. They can be found in any zoo all over the world and really quite helpful to humans. Their milk and meat have been consumed for ages and are known to have certain nutritional properties unique to them.Would they make a good pet?Camels are great friends of humans. They make for great pets as they do not need a lot of maintenance. However, we wouldn’t suggest keeping a camel as a pet because they are not really suited to urban life. On the other hand, in areas like the desert, Camels are kept as pets by the people living there.Did you know…Camels are known to hardly ever sweat.Wild Bactrian Camels and the domestic Bactrian Camels are one of the few animals that eat snow as a source of water. Bactrians are also known to consume drinking water that is saltier than seawater.Polar Camel is the name given to a specialized glass container.Camels are known to spit. This spit is actually a defense mechanism where they throw out saliva along with the food in their stomach when they feel threatened or nervous.How long can Camels go without water?Camels can go weeks without water. This is because they store fat in their humps which can be broken down as a source of food and water. New research suggests that that around 0.3 oz of fat can release around 0.04 oz of water.How often do Camels pee?Adapted to the hard life of conserving water in deserts, Camels do not urinate frequently with their urine taking the form of thick syrup. Camels have kidneys that are adept at reabsorbing water with their area being twice the size of cow kidneys.Here at Kidadl, we have carefully created lots of interesting family-friendly animal facts for everyone to discover! Learn more about some other mammals including anteater, or takin.You can even occupy yourself at home by drawing one on our camel coloring pages.

What type of animal is a Camel?

Camels are hoofed animals characterized by a fat-rich hump or two on their backs. There are three types of camels present in the world: Dromedary Camel (Camelus dromedarius) or Arabian Camel with the one hump, Bactrian Camel (Camelus bactrianus), and Wild Bactrian Camel (Camelus ferus) both of whom are known to have two humps.

Fun Camel Facts For Kids

What do they prey on? N/A

What do they eat? Herbivores

Average litter size? 1

How much do they weigh? 660-2200 lb

How long are they? 7-11 ft

How tall are they? 5-7 ft

What do they look like? Light brownish to grayish

Skin Type Fur

What were their main threats? Habitat Loss

What is their conservation status? Least Concern (Domesticated) to Critically Endangered in IUCN Red List

Where you’ll find them? Temperate And Tropical Deserts

Locations Africa, China, India, Mongolia, Middle East, Introduced In Australia

Kingdom Animalia

Genus Camelus

Class Mammalia

Family Camelidae

Fun Camel Facts For Kids

What do they prey on? N/A

What do they eat? Herbivores

Average litter size? 1

How much do they weigh? 660-2200 lb

How long are they? 7-11 ft

How tall are they? 5-7 ft

What do they look like? Light brownish to grayish

Skin Type Fur

What were their main threats? Habitat Loss

What is their conservation status? Least Concern (Domesticated) to Critically Endangered in IUCN Red List

Where you’ll find them? Temperate And Tropical Deserts

Locations Africa, China, India, Mongolia, Middle East, Introduced In Australia

Kingdom Animalia

Genus Camelus

Class Mammalia

Family Camelidae

Fun Camel Facts For Kids

What do they prey on? N/A

What do they eat? Herbivores

Average litter size? 1

How much do they weigh? 660-2200 lb

How long are they? 7-11 ft

How tall are they? 5-7 ft

What do they look like? Light brownish to grayish

Skin Type Fur

What were their main threats? Habitat Loss

What is their conservation status? Least Concern (Domesticated) to Critically Endangered in IUCN Red List

Where you’ll find them? Temperate And Tropical Deserts

Locations Africa, China, India, Mongolia, Middle East, Introduced In Australia

Kingdom Animalia

Genus Camelus

Class Mammalia

Family Camelidae