Dromedary

Description

Unlike camels, they have a single hump formed by fat and fibrous tissues which preserves nutrients for times of scarcity. The upper lip is cleft and highly mobile which allows them to pick up food. They have abundant cinnamon-coloured hair that is longer in the neck, shoulder and hump areas. 

Ethology

They live in family groups of 2-15 individuals formed by a dominant male and a group of females and calves which are called guelphs. They are very calm animals, except for the males during breeding season who become more aggressive and give deep-throated barks to call the attention of the females.

Interesting facts

The size of the hump depends on the nutritional condition of the animal, and it may droop to one side when they are running out of reserves. They were domesticated to serve as beasts of burden and for their leather or wool. Oasis Wildlife Fuerteventura is currently carrying out a study on the beneficial properties of female dromedary milk.