Camelus
Taxonomy and Evolution
The genus Camelus is a member of the family Camelidae, which also includes the South American camelids: the llama, alpaca, vicuna, and guanaco. The genus Camelus first appeared in the fossil record during the Miocene epoch, approximately 20 million years ago. The two extant species of Camelus, the dromedary (C. dromedarius) and the Bactrian camel (C. bactrianus), are believed to have diverged around 8 million years ago.
Description
Members of the genus Camelus are large, even-toed ungulates with one or two humps on their backs. These humps are composed of fat, which can be metabolized when food and water are scarce. The body of a camel is well-adapted to life in harsh desert environments. They have long legs, a long neck, and a body that is covered in a thick coat of hair. The color of this hair can range from light brown to dark brown. The eyes and nostrils of a camel are protected from blowing sand and dust by a series of long eyelashes and nostril slits that can be closed when necessary.
Behavior and Ecology
Camels are social animals that live in groups called herds. These herds are usually led by a dominant male, with the remaining members being females and their young. Camels are known for their ability to withstand extreme temperatures, from the freezing cold of desert nights to the scorching heat of desert days. They are also capable of going without water for long periods of time, thanks to their unique physiological adaptations.
Human Interaction
Humans have had a long history of interaction with the genus Camelus. Both the dromedary and the Bactrian camel have been domesticated for thousands of years, providing humans with transportation, milk, meat, wool, and leather. In many parts of the world, camels are still used for these purposes today.
Conservation
While the dromedary camel is not considered to be at risk, the wild Bactrian camel is listed as critically endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). The main threats to the wild Bactrian camel include hunting and habitat loss due to mining and industrial development.