Ship of the Desert

Camels are able to travel immeasurable distances in the desert. They can drink from waterholes far too bitter or brackish for humans or other animals. They can and will eat almost anything. People have been known to survive on what is in a camel’s stomach. Camels provide milk. The animal’s dry dung can easily be burned as fuel. "Hey Ned, what's that on the barby?"

A camel has a extremely leathery mouth and tongue and very strong tooth enamel, enabling it to eat thorny desert plants. These beasts can drink 100 liters of water within 10 minutes and store it in its hump for future use. They can live without taking in water for several days.

Their hide allows excess body temperature to emanate out and protect them from cold night air. Camels also sweat to dissipate heat but the sweat is not seen. They will tolerate up to 25% weight loss (which is double the dehydration level in most mammals) without the thickening of the blood that would cause death in other mammals.

They have multiple tear glands and double rows of long, curled eyelashes to protect their eyes from blowing sand. They can close their noses during sandstorms. Their wide, padded toes are insulated to protect against the extreme heat of the sand. The tough yet flexible web of the toes prevents them from sinking into the sand.

The camel is an amazing animal. Awesome work by our God.