Why do camels live in the desert?

Camels are used as draft and saddle animals in desert regions of Africa, Arabia, and Asia. Adaptations to windblown deserts include double rows of eyelashes, the ability to close the nostrils, and wide-spreading soft feet. read more

Camels are able to survive in the desert because their humps store fat that can provide energy for up to several weeks. Camels can survive without water for several weeks because their stomach lining is designed to store ample amounts of water. read more

In the desert, people feed camels with grass, grains, wheat and oats. When camels are travelling in the desert, food is often very hard to find. So the animal might have to live on dried leaves, seeds, and thorny twigs (without hurting their mouths). read more

In this animation, Grandad Charlie, an elderly tortoise, tells his grandson Sam a story to illustrate how camels are adapted to live in the desert. Prince Ali became lost in the desert. Horses were sent to rescue the Prince and Mufeed the Camel went along to help. read more

Humans have used camels as a means of transport for thousands of years. They can carry about 375 to 600 lbs. (170 to 270 kilograms) on their backs, according to National Geographic. This earned these beasts of burden a nickname, "ships of the desert. read more