Heat and drought threaten camel survival
Camels are famously known as the ships of the desert, but even these hardy animals are not being spared from the extremes of rising temperatures in Africa.
The Afar region of north-eastern Ethiopia is one of the hottest and driest places on Earth, where nomads often lead camel caravans carrying salt through the desert.
“I can see my camels suffering from extreme heat,” Ali Umer, a camel herder from Semera in Afar, told the BBC.
“They get blisters on their feet, their eyes become watery and the hot sand burns their skin and eats up their hair when they are sitting,” said the 40-year-old who owns around 500 camels.
“Within the past one month I have lost eight camel calves because of the extreme heat, it has become much more intense and difficult.
“Even the wind, which used to bring cool air, now carries heat,” he said, adding he had noticed these drastic changes in the temperature in recent years.
He is not alone in his observations: scientists, animal welfare workers, and various studies all mention stress, fatigue, dehydration, and disease as direct impacts of extreme heat.
The higher temperatures also indirectly make camels suffer by causing severe loss of water, vegetation, and shaded areas.
Research points to growing climate impact
North Africa and the Horn of Africa are home to around 80% of the world’s dromedary camel population.
Over the years, farmers, and herders have increasingly relied on camels because of their ability to withstand drought and harsh climates.
However, studies from Ethiopia, Somalia and Algeria suggest rising temperatures are reducing herd health, milk production and reproductive performance, while increasing deaths during prolonged heatwaves.
Researchers also report that many herders are abandoning traditional grazing areas as drought intensifies and water and vegetation become scarcer.
Experts warn of long-term consequences
The World Meteorological Organization says heatwaves across North Africa have become more frequent since 1981, with several countries recording temperatures above 50°C in 2024.
Experts say camels are well adapted to hot climates but begin suffering heat stress when temperatures remain above their comfort range for prolonged periods, especially when combined with drought, limited shade and scarce water.
Scientists warn that even one of the world’s most resilient desert animals is increasingly becoming a victim of climate change.
Source: BBC
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