What is a Camel?
The camel is a large mammal noted for the characteristic humps on its back. True camels come in two varieties,
dromedary,
or one-humped, and Bactrian camels which have two distinct humps.
Though native to Asia, there are now about 700,000 wild camels in
Australia, from specimens released into the wild after being used to
build railroads.
The camel is prized for meat, leather, milk and
working abilities. Known for their hardiness, camels make excellent pack
animals for long trips through rough terrain. Though capable of
surviving many days without water, the popular concept that they store
water in their humps is a myth. Instead, the hump provides a reserve of
fat cells that can provide additional energy on long or tiring journeys.
Their water-conserving abilities are facilitated by several physical
adaptations, including the shape of their red blood cells and the
ability to reabsorb perspiration and retain the fluid.
Bactrian
and dromedary camels are similar in size, both reaching heights of
approximately seven feet (2.1 m) at the top of their humps, and weighing
between 900-1400 lbs (408-635 kg.) Depending on the season in which
they become pregnant, the female camel gestates for between 12-14
months, usually resulting in the birth of one calf. At birth, a camel
weighs approximately 66 lbs (30 kg) and will double its weight in less
than a year. The average lifespan of a camel is between 50-60 years,
though cows typically stop producing calves around age 20.
Source: wisegeek.com
