Dromedary camel

Camelus dromedarius

Mammalia · Artiodactyla · Camelidae

Fig. 1. Dromedary camel

Fig. 2. Range

Length or height	Shoulder height about 1.8-2 m
Weight	About 400-600 kg
Food	Herbivore: tough desert plants
Lifespan	About 40 years
Society	Herds
Habitat	desert
Range	Africa, Asia, Australia
Wild or tame	Domestic: no wild dromedaries remain; feral herds roam Australia

One hump. Domesticated in Arabia about 3,000 years ago; it carried the caravan trade across the Sahara and Arabia.

Observe: Watch the slow chew and the wide padded feet.

Modern data

Status today

DOMDomestic status to verify

Conservation	Domestic.
Keeper's note	Camels get sand yards, browse, and nail and foot care.
Kingdom · phylum	Animalia · Chordata
Genus	Camelus

Check the record: IUCN Red List · GBIF · ITIS

See it elsewhere in the museum

For classes

Lessons: The Mammal Hall: Weigh the cost of warmthPreviewThe Domesticated Animal: Map it, time itPreviewEcosystems: Two Ways to Hold a HabitatPreview

Drawer: Zoo: Desert

Quiz: Desert quiz · 5 questions