Random Things You Never Knew About Camels (10 items)

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  (#8) Camels Have A Third Eyelid To Wipe Sand Away

  One of the most unique adaptations camels have to combat the desert and sand is their unique eyes. As well as having two distinct sets of eyelashes to help protect their vision, the creatures also have a third eyelid. This thin membrane is rather unique for a mammal as it is something usually seen in birds, fish, and reptiles. It essentially works as a windscreen wiper on a car, moving from side to side to wipe away any sand on the eyeball and providing a shield during sandstorms.
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  (#1) Humps Store Fat So They Can Go For Long Periods Without Food

  All camels have either one or two humps depending on the species. However, the big misconception about the humps is that they contain water. The truth is they don’t hold any water whatsoever; instead, they are a store of fat. This proves useful for periods in the arid conditions where they live when they might not be able to get access to food, allowing them to burn the fat to release vital energy. The size of the hump will fluctuate according to how well fed the camel is; those who have not had enough nutrients will see their humps get smaller and eventually droop over.
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  (#10) Instead Of Chewing Food, They Swallow It Whole Then Regurgitate The Resulting Cud Later

  Camels are a type of mammal known as ruminants. This means that rather than chew their food, they simply swallow it whole. Their oral papillae help them to be able to force down their rather tough diet, which includes thorns, salty plants, and fish, without choking. The food is then turned into cud and regurgitated into the mouth, where the camel finally chews it to help release vital nutrients and aid in the last part of digestion.
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  (#2) They Have Some Of The Most Efficient Kidneys Of All Animals, Which Turns Their Urine Into Thick Syrup

  Because of the general lack of water in the desert, camels' internal organs have some unique specializations. Their kidneys, for example, are some of the most efficient on the planet. This is necessary not only to conserve water as much as possible when expelling waste but also in allowing the animals to drink salty water. The end product the kidneys produce is a thick liquid more like syrup than traditional urine, with a salt concentration that is higher than saltwater.
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  (#7) There Are Professional Camel Racers In Several Countries

  When people think of animal racing, they picture horses or greyhounds. But several countries in Asia, Africa, and the Middle East host professional camel racing. The likes of the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and Bahrain all hold official contests.

  The animals are capable of reaching top speeds of 40 miles per hour in short sprints and can maintain speeds of 25 miles per hour for extended periods of time. This makes them ideal for racing. Unfortunately, many owners used child jockeys in racing due to their small size and weight, prompting bans from several governments for the abuses the youngsters suffered. In their place, several organizations now use robotic jockeys.
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  (#6) The Different Species Can Grow To A Huge Size

  Camels are capable of growing to huge sizes. Both species will typically tower above a human being, standing at between six to six and a half feet tall. They can also grow to a length of around 10 feet and will weigh in at anything from 1,300 to 2,200 pounds when they reach maturity. Their large size and strength has made the animals the perfect companion for desert dwelling populations. They are capable of carrying up to 600 kilograms over vast distances, walking at up to almost three miles per hour.

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