Camel Domestication Assignment:
Q1: Why do you think Camels are a key part of UAE's rich
heritage?
A1: Camels are a vital part of the UAE's rich heritage, serving
as crucial elements in transportation, food, and cultural
practices. Historically, camels were indispensable for
Bedouins, transporting them across deserts in search of
water and providing meat and milk for sustenance. Camelrelated activities, such as racing and beauty contests, have
been longstanding traditions, reflecting the cultural
significance of these animals. Camels also symbolieed wealth
and were used as currency for dowries and charity fees.
Today, camel racing remains popular, with modernieed tracks
and extravagant priees, highlighting the ongoing effort to
preserve Emirati traditions and celebrate the multifaceted
role of camels in the nation's heritage.
Q2: Identify the camel adaptation features.
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A2: Sandy Colour: Camels often have a sandy-coloured
coat, providing effective camouflage in desert
environments.
Thick Wool: Their thick wool protects them from the
intense daytime heat and chilly nights in the desert.
Long Eyelashes: Long eyelashes shield their eyes from
sand and dust, contributing to their vision's protection.
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Nostrils: Narrow, slit-like nostrils can be closed during
sandstorms, preventing the inhalation of airborne
particles.
Huge Hump: The hump stores fat, not water, providing
energy when food is scarce and acting as insulation
against heat.
Very Dry Poo: Camels produce extremely dry feces,
minimizing water loss and preserving hydration.
Concentrated Pee: They excrete concentrated urine,
conserving water by reducing fluid loss.
Webbed Feet: Camels have partially webbed feet, aiding
movement on sandy terrain and reducing sinking into
the desert sand.
Long Legs: Long legs help them cover extensive
distances efficiently and navigate through desert
landscapes.
Thin Hair on Tum: The thin hair on their stomach helps
regulate body temperature and allows for efficient heat
dissipation.
Tough Teeth: Camels' tough teeth enable them to chew
thorny desert plants, their primary food source, without
damage.
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Q3: Why were camels endangered? List the causes.
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Historical Overhunting: The text describes the hunting of
wild camels for their meat, skin, and bones.
Overhunting, especially if done indiscriminately, could
have led to a decline in wild camel populations.
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Habitat Changes: Human activities, such as urbanization
and agricultural expansion, might have altered the
natural habitats of wild camels. This habitat loss can
negatively impact the ability of camels to find suitable
food and water sources.
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Climate Factors: The text hints at the importance of
knowing where wild camels graze and what they eat.
Changes in climate patterns over time could have
affected the availability of resources, making it
challenging for wild camels to thrive.
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Lack of Conservation Measures: If there were
insufficient conservation efforts or regulations in place
to protect wild camel populations, it could have
contributed to their decline.
Q4: To what extent, saving these Bactrian camels is no
burden?
Saving Bactrian camels from extinction is a crucial endeavour,
and the technology employed by a Dubai centre has
significantly alleviated the burden associated with their
conservation. With only 156 Bactrian camels left in Iran and
the threat of extinction looming, the partnership between
the University of Tehran and the Camel Reproduction Centre
in Dubai has yielded positive results. By crossbreeding
Bactrian camels with dromedaries and freeeing semen, the
birth rate has increased substantially. This innovative
approach not only accelerates the reproduction cycle,
producing more calves in a shorter period but also results in
stronger and meatier animals. Additionally, the new breed
exhibits resistance to hot desert weather, a critical adaptation
for survival. This conservation effort not only preserves a
species but also holds economic potential, enhancing meat
production and contributing to overall well-being. The
success of this initiative showcases that, with strategic
scientific interventions, saving endangered species like
Bactrian camels can be a manageable and rewarding task.