Why the camel, an extraordinarily evolved animal, is nicknamed “the ship of the desert”
The camel, with its ability to endure extreme heat and travel for days without water, has always captured man’s imagination.
But it is not only its durability and adaptability that make it special.
This animal has very unique and exceptional characteristics thanks to which it is able to survive in the most arid regions of our planet.
Sharp eyesight, overpowering sense of smell and variable temperature
Camels have special eyelids and very thick eyelashes (as many as two rows) that protect their eyes from the sand and blinding sun.
In addition, they can distinguish the slightest movement at a distance of up to one kilometer even on a sunny day in the desert.
Camels’ skin is extraordinarily tough and their body temperature can vary by a few degrees during the day: the norm is 40-41 degrees during the day and 34-35 at night.
This allows them to withstand the desert heat without breaking a sweat.
Why they say “drink like a camel”
Camels can go up to a week without drinking and are capable of sniffing water from a distance of 50-60 kilometers.
When they get to the spring, they manage to drink a lot: as much as 100 liters of water in 10 minutes.
One belief to dispel is that water flows into humps.
The function of camel humps
The humps are actually reserves of fat that is used as nutrition in times of food shortages.
They accumulate fat, which can be converted into energy when food is scarce.
This means that camels can travel long distances in the desert without having to eat continuously.
These animals are herbivores and feed on a variety of plants, including thorny and hard ones, thanks to their specially adapted mouths.
They can also eat salty plants, as their kidneys are able to filter salt from water.
Camel Day
As natural habitats shrink, camels face significant challenges.
Since its introduction, Camel Day serves not only to celebrate this remarkable animal but also to raise awareness about their conservation and protection.
Through the celebration of World Camel Day, it is hoped to strengthen public awareness of the importance of promoting concrete actions to protect them.
It is critical that we continue to support conservation efforts to ensure that these magnificent animals, so evolved and extraordinary, can continue to thrive.
