The scorching heatwave is causing the demise of resilient camels in arid regions as temperatures soar to unprecedented levels.
Concerns have risen as temperatures climb above 50 degrees in Africa and the Middle East, impacting camels known for their endurance in hot climates. Researchers have observed camels suffering from dehydration, exhaustion, and increased disease risk due to the extreme heat in these areas.
Herders in northern Africa and the Horn of Africa depend on camels for transporting goods across the desert. They transitioned from using cattle to camels due to their ability to withstand high temperatures and survive harsh drought conditions.
Ali Umer, a camel herder in northeastern Ethiopia, witnessed many of his 500 camels suffering in the heat. He described how the camels develop blisters, watery eyes, and skin burns due to the scorching sand, leading to distress and loss.
Camels typically thrive in temperatures up to approximately 40 degrees Celsius, allowing their bodies to regulate temperature within a few degrees. Their protective coat helps them endure extreme heat and their ability to minimize sweating has been crucial for their survival in challenging conditions.
Dr. Mohammed Bengoumi, a UN Food and Agriculture scientist, highlighted that camels can experience heat stress when temperatures exceed their comfort range. With summer temperatures often surpassing 50 degrees Celsius in parts of the Sahara, the risk of severe heat stress rises, especially with reduced vegetation cover, water scarcity, and lack of shade.
Amid the challenging conditions, many camel herders in Ethiopia are relocating their herds from the north to the south where there is more water and vegetation. This shift may become permanent as herders adapt to prolonged drought and extreme heat.
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