When it comes to camels, people naturally think of them as the "ships of the desert". In the vast desert, where strong winds blow sand relentlessly and the scorching heat prevails, many animals struggle to survive.

However, camels, with their gentle nature, resilience against sandstorms, and ability to traverse deserts, are indispensable means of transportation in desert regions.

The historical roles of camels are significant. They are the sole mode of transportation in the deserts of Africa, Asia, and Australia. Camels were utilized for transporting goods along the Silk Road, a network of trade routes connecting the Far East, Middle East, and Europe.

Just as ships sail the seas and other deep-water channels, camels "sail" through the deserts, carrying luxurious items such as silk, textiles, gold, jade, fur, ceramics, bronze, books, spices, and medicines.

So, what exactly enables camels to undertake long journeys through the desert?

1. Thirst endurance:

The desert is extremely dry, with scarce water sources. To successfully traverse the desert, a sufficient supply of water and the ability to endure thirst are essential. Camels possess an extraordinary ability to endure thirst. They have a unique water storage mechanism in their stomachs called the water float. This acts as a "water reservoir". Camels can drink water relatively quickly and in large quantities.

For example, a Bactrian camel can drink up to 114 liters of water within 10 minutes, storing it in the water float. This allows camels to survive for several days without drinking water, without jeopardizing their lives.

2. Energy reservoir:

Camels have one or two prominent humps, which are their distinctive feature. When there is an adequate food supply, camels store nutrients in the form of fat in their humps. In times of food scarcity, camels utilize the stored nutrients to meet their energy requirements.

Therefore, before embarking on a journey, camels consume large amounts of food to store sufficient nutrients in their humps. Once in the desert, if they face water or food shortages, camels rely on these stored nutrients in their humps. The fat in the humps not only serves as a source of nutrition during long journeys but also generates metabolic water during fat oxidation, which fulfills the camel's hydration needs.

3. Adaptation to sandstorms:

Sandstorms are common in deserts, with strong winds and soft sand posing challenges to animals. Camels possess features to cope with these conditions. They have double-layered eyelids and long, thick eyelashes to prevent sand from entering their eyes.

Additionally, camels have two fleshy protrusions in their nostrils, which they use to close their nostrils to prevent sand from entering their lungs during sandstorms. The soles of their feet are covered with soft, thick pads, enabling them to walk effortlessly on soft sand without sinking.

Furthermore, camels' fur helps regulate their body temperature throughout the seasons. In spring, camels shed their thick fur, exposing their bodies to lower temperatures in the high desert heat. In winter, they grow thick, insulating fur to withstand the cold in desert regions.

Despite camels' remarkable adaptability, they still face various threats such as diseases, hunting, habitat loss, and climate change. Some wild camel species, like the wild Bactrian camel, are critically endangered.

Organizations and individuals are dedicating significant effort to heighten awareness about the critical role and value of camels, alongside backing camel conservation initiatives. Their work is vital in ensuring the protection and preservation of these unique animals, which are an integral part of ecosystems and cultures around the world.