dromedary

The dromedary is superbly adapted for life in hot, dry climates. It can go for long periods without drinking, and its body conserves moisture.

Camel in Sinai, Egypt. Camels are well-adapted to desert conditions as they can withstand extreme weather conditions and go for long periods without drinking. There are two species of camel, the single-humped Arabian camel (pictured), and the twin-humped Bactrian camel from Asia.

Variety of Arabian camel. The dromedary or one-humped camel has been domesticated since 400 BC. During a long period without water, it can lose up to one-quarter of its body weight without ill effects.

The dromedary's long domestication means that its original range is not known. It is used throughout Arabia and North Africa, and has been taken to other places such as North America and Australia, in the latter country playing a crucial part in the development of the interior. While the dromedary is a lightly-built variety of the Arabian camel, and the name is often applied to all one-humped camels. They can be used as pack animals, for riding, racing, milk production, and for meat.