Camels in Oman

The Arabian camel and favorite of the population of Arabia is actually a dromedary. The one-humped Camelus Dromedarius differs from the also well-known two-humped Bactrian camel. Both species belong to the family of Camels. The habitat is found in large parts of Asia and Africa. As a wild animal, the dromedary is extinct and only exists domesticated as a beast of burden. No matter how abandoned a camel looks in the vast desert, it always has an owner. There is evidence from Arabia that dromedaries have been domesticated for about 3,200 years.

The one-humped camel has a body or shoulder height of about 180 cm to 230 cm and a head-to-body length of 230 cm to 340 cm. The tail measures about 55 cm in length. The weight varies considerably and can range from 290 kg to 710 kg. The fur is sand-colored and very well adapted to the natural environment. Dromedaries are accustomed to very hot and dry climate, accordingly, they can manage with extremely little fluid. Contrary to many assumptions, the animal does not store water in the hump, but, if necessary, in the stomach. The hump serves as a fat reserve and is tapped as an energy source during periods of scarcity. Dromedaries can withstand temperatures of over 50 degrees Celsius. They have the ability to significantly lower their body temperature at night to sweat less during the very slow warming up during the day. Another evolutionary feature is that they can lose up to 25% of their body weight through sweating but can restore it within a few minutes by rehydrating.

Dromedaries are diurnal animals that live under natural conditions in so-called harems. These usually consist of one male, several females, and young animals. Food is consumed in the form of plants, whether thorny, dried out, or salty. Dromedaries can live up to 50 years. Females reach sexual maturity at three years, males at four to six years. Offspring is conceived in the winter months. The gestation period is usually just over a year. Only very rarely are there twins. The female takes care of the young for about a year and a half. After two years, it can give birth again.

For the Bedouins, the camel has great significance. It is firmly rooted in the culture and influences the status within society. In Arabic, there are over 150 terms for the camel. Al-jamal is probably the most commonly used word and also means reverence or admiration. For the Bedouins, who mostly live in the desert, the animal serves as transport, a supplier of meat, milk, and wool. Camels always belong to individual persons, never to tribes or entire families.

In the Sultanate of Oman, pure lineage is valued. Omani dromedaries are relatively small, but therefore very fast. Regionally known on the Arabian Peninsula are camels from the coastal regions of Batinah and Wahiba. Breeders make a good business with racing camels. The fastest dromedaries can reach speeds of up to 64 km/h. Unlike in Oman, enormous sums of money are spent for racing camels in neighboring countries. However, there are also very high prize money for tournament victories. In Oman, it is a bit different, as prestige comes first and not monetary success.