Overview
Camels are mammals belonging to the family *Camelidae*. They are critically important in desert regions for transportation, food, and textiles. Known for their distinctive humps, camels are well-adapted to harsh, arid environments. The species are mainly divided into the one-humped dromedary and the two-humped Bactrian camel.
Types of Camels
Dromedary (One-Humped Camel)
Dromedary camels, with a single hump, are native to the deserts of Africa and Southwest Asia. These camels can grow up to 3 meters in length, stand about 1.8 to 2.1 meters tall, and weigh between 450 and 600 kilograms.
Bactrian (Two-Humped Camel)
Bactrian camels, with two humps, are smaller than their dromedary counterparts and primarily inhabit Central Asia. These humps are stores of fat, not water, allowing the camel to survive for extended periods without food. When resources are scarce, the humps shrink and may temporarily disappear.
Adaptations for Desert Life
Camels have unique physical adaptations that allow them to thrive in desert environments. Their two-toed feet are designed to easily navigate sandy terrain. They can close their nostrils to block out sand, and the long hair around their ears helps protect against dust storms. Although it’s a common misconception that the camel’s hump stores water, the humps actually contain fat reserves. These reserves allow them to survive long periods without food, and as the fat is consumed, the hump diminishes in size.
Camels are also able to endure dehydration, lasting up to three days without water. Their oval-shaped red blood cells and highly efficient hemoglobin allow them to maintain oxygen supply even as their blood thickens due to water loss. When they do drink, camels can consume up to 57 liters of water in a single session.
Domestication and Utility
Camels have been domesticated for thousands of years, with the dromedary being tamed around 3000 BCE and the Bactrian camel around 1800 BCE. Due to their strength, they can carry up to 500 kilograms of goods over long distances, making them vital for trade routes and desert travel. Beyond transport, camels are also valued for their meat, milk, and wool, making them indispensable to desert societies.
Historical Presence in Korea
Camels made a brief appearance in Korean history during the Goryeo period when 54 camels were brought by the Khitan people. These camels were eventually left to perish under a bridge, according to historical records. Later, in 1922, camels were reintroduced to Korea as part of the Changgyeongwon Zoo’s collection, and in 1955, a pair was imported from Amsterdam Zoo. Today, camels are primarily kept in zoos across the country for display purposes.
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