# data[].attributes.body
Anouk Zijlma
TripSavvy.com
Fun facts about African animals
2018

This article by Anouk Zijlma tells us abut African camels.

This source gives us many specific details about the camel. We learn about the diet and conditions that they need to survive.

This is very helpful to know because we can't create a backpack for a camel if we don't know. About the camel. It also tells us about some of the content that is needed.

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Elan Technology
www.ElanTechnology.com
2015

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Types of Glass-to-Metal Seals

There are two types of glass-to-metal hermetic seals which vary based upon the properties of the glass and metals used:

When the glass and the metal package have the same coefficient of thermal expansion, the seal derives its strength from the chemical bond between the glass and the oxide formed on the metal parts. This "matched seal" is the weaker of the two glass-to-metal hermetic seals and cannot resist large differential pressures across the two materials. Matched seals are used for less intensive applications such as light bulbs and electronic packaging.

Used for steel or stainless steel housing, nickel iron pins, and barium alkali glass, compression seals can withstand extremely high pressures and physical stress such as mechanical and thermal shock. Compression sealing takes place when the glass and the metal have different coefficients of thermal expansion and the metal shrinks around the solidified glass. Because glass is extremely strong in compression, compression seals can withstand very high pressures.

The Elan 46 ceramic glass composite has unique properties that allow for the ability to vary the coefficient of thermal expansion and can therefore form hermetic seals with a variety of metals. Elan Technology's glass ceramic composites also have higher chemical durability, can resist higher temperatures, and can be more easily machined to complex geometries than conventional varieties of glass. Please contact Elan Technology glass manufacturers for more information.

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Hermetic Seal | Hermetic Sealing | Glass-to-Metal Seal | Elan

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There are two types of glass-to-metal hermetic seals which vary based upon the properties of the glass and metals used: When the glass and the metal package have the same coefficient of thermal expansion, the seal derives its strength from the chemical bond between the glass and the oxide formed on the metal parts.

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"Rcp Block and Brick"
RCPBlock

2016

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
RCP Block and Brick - (800) 794-4727 - Masonry Supply, Hardscape Products, and Natural Stone

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RCP Block & Brick has been manufacturing concrete block units and supplying Southern California with the finest hardscape products and masonry products since 1947. We have everything for your hardscape and masonry needs. Open to the Public!

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Authors name
Title of book or article
Website or publisher
Page numbers or link

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Britticana.com
Jeffrey Gritzner
2015

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Sahara | Location, History, Map, Countries, Animals, & Facts

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Sahara, largest desert in the world. Filling nearly all of northern Africa, it measures approximately 3,000 miles (4,800 km) from east to west and between 800 to 1,200 miles from north to south and has a total area of some 3,320,000 square miles (8,600,000 square km).

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Jay Sharp
desertusa.com
2017

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Landscape, Water and Climate Information

Location

Blanketing much of the northern third of the African Continent, or some 3.5 million square miles, the Sahara Desert, the largest desert in the world, extends eastward from the Atlantic Ocean some 3,000 miles to the Nile River and the Red Sea, and southward from the Atlas Mountains of Morocco and the Mediterranean shores more than 1,000 miles to the savannah called the Sahel. More than 16 times the size of France, the Sahara Desert blankets nearly all of Mauritania, Western Sahara, Algeria, Libya, Egypt and Niger; the southern half of Tunisia; and the northern parts of Mali, Chad and Sudan.

Landscape

The Sahara's topographical features, said "The Living Africa," include not only the iconic sand dune fields, but also arid mountains, plateaus, sand- and gravel-covered plains, shallow basins and large oasis depressions. Its highest point is Chad's Mount Koussi (an extinct volcanic crater that rises 11,204 feet above sea level at the peak), and its lowest, Egypt's Qattera Depression (an oasis depression that lies 436 feet below sea level at the deepest point).

The Sahara's fabled dune fields, which cover only about 15 percent of the entire desert's surface, lie primarily in the north central region, in the countries of Algeria and Libya. Most sand dunes -- mounds and ridges of sand sculpted by wind and gravity -- have a windward or "backslope" surface and a leeward or "slipface" surface. Prevailing winds drive sand up the backslope until it reaches a crest and then collapses under the pull of gravity, cascading down the slipface. The wind may leave rippled surfaces in its wake.

The dunes take on varied and complex forms. A few examples include:

Crescent dunes, which have arms or "horns" that point downwind and embrace the slip face. These dunes form under winds that have blown from the same direction for an extended period.

Linear dunes, which have long, straight or slightly sinuous forms, that may extend for miles. They develop under winds that blow from either of two directions.

Transverse dunes, which have sharply crested, roughly saber-shaped forms that lie parallel and may reach to nearly a thousand feet in height and extend for over a hundred miles in length. They form in alignment with a prevailing wind that has changed direction for a prolonged period and redistributed the sands of earlier dunes.

Star dunes, which have central pyramidal mounds with three or more radiating arms, each with a backslope and a slipface. The star dunes form under winds that blow from several directions.

Dome dunes, which have circular- or oval-shaped mounds, which, surprisingly, have no backslope or slipface. Comparatively rare, they tend to form at the upwind edges of dune fields.

The dunes, with their various forms, raise many questions about the dynamics of their formation.

Water

The Sahara has only two permanent rivers and a handful of lakes, but it has substantial underground reservoirs, or aquifers.

Its permanent rivers are the Nile and the Niger. The Nile rises in central Africa, south of the Sahara, and flows northward through Sudan and Egypt and empties into the Mediterranean. The Niger rises in western Africa, southwest of the Sahara, and flows northeastward into Mali and the desert then turns southeastward, through Nigeria, and empties into the Gulf of Guinea.

The Sahara has some 20 or more lakes, but only one with potable water--the expansive but shallow Lake Chad, a continually expanding and shrinking body of water that lies in the country of Chad, at the southernmost edge of the Sahara. Other lakes hold a briny stew of undrinkable water.

The Sahara's aquifers often lie just below the surface of intermittent drainages, called "wadis," which rise in mountain ranges and empty onto the desert floor. The aquifers sometimes discharge some of their waters to the surface at locations called "oases," which are normally found in the lower points of surface depressions.

Climate

The Sahara has one of the world's most severe climates. Typically, the Sahara landscape experiences extremely limited to virtually no rainfall, powerful and capricious winds and wide temperature ranges.

Across the desert, the annual average rainfall equals no more than a few inches or less, much less in many locations. In some areas, no rain at all may fall over several years. Then, several inches may fall in a torrential downpour. Then, no rain at all may fall for several more years.

The prevailing wind, which blows from the northeast toward the equator throughout the year, accounts for the desert's aridness. As the wind moves southwestward, the air warms, dissipating moisture that might otherwise be released as rainfall. Locally, hot winds often lift sand and dust particles from the desert floor, spinning them upward through cooler air as dust devils or propelling them southwestward as fierce and blinding dust storms.

In the summer, daytime air temperatures across the Sahara often soar to well over 100 degrees Fahrenheit, with the hottest air temperature meteorologists have ever recorded -- 136 degrees -- occurring at Azizia, Libya, on September 13, 1922. Under the clear skies, the temperature may fall 40 degrees or more during an evening. In the winter, freezing temperatures may occur in the northern Sahara, and milder temperatures, across the southern Sahara. Snow may fall occasionally in some of the higher mountain ranges and rarely, on the desert floor.

One of the most storied and unforgiving lands in the world, the Sahara -- the Arabic word for "desert" -- evokes a poignant sense of time and nature's power, of antiquity and legend, of wonder and mystery. It has been the setting for some of the most pivotal chapters in Western history.

by Jay W. Sharp

Other Deserts: Australia's Great Sandy Desert
The Gobi Desert
The Chihuahan Desert
The Great Basin Desert
The Mojave Desert
The Sonoran Desert
DesertUSA Newsletter -- We send articles on hiking, camping and places to explore, as well as animals, wildflower reports, plant information and much more. Sign up below or read more about the DesertUSA newsletter here. (It's Free.)

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Located on the continent of Africa, the Sahara Desert is the largest hot desert in the world encompassing 3.5 million square miles across 11 countries.

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WorldAtlas.com
Oishimaya Sen Nag
2017

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A Fennec fox in the Sahara Desert. Image credit: Szymon Barylski/Shutterstock.com

The Sahara Desert hosts an incredible array of species that are well-adapted to survive in the extreme desert climate.

70 mammalian species, 90 species of birds, 100 species of reptiles, and other smaller forms of life are found in the Sahara Desert.

The desert hosts the highly feared deathstalker scorpion, the extremely venomous sand viper, the elegant and fierce cheetah and other equally magnificent species.

The Sahara Desert is usually imagined as a vast, parched, lifeless stretch of sandy landscape with scattered nomadic tribes and their domesticated camels. However, the Sahara holds much more life than that. It occupies an area of 9,400,000 square km that is comparable to the size of the United States. It stretches across much of Northern Africa, covering about 31% of the African landmass. Thus, it is the largest hot desert in the world.

The Sahara Desert hosts an incredible array of species that are well-adapted to survive in the desert climate. 70 mammalian species, 90 species of birds, 100 species of reptiles, and several species of spiders, scorpions, and other smaller forms of life, call the Sahara Desert their home. Apart from the dromedary camel and goats, the desert hosts the highly feared deathstalker scorpion, the extremely venomous sand viper, the elegant and fierce cheetah, the graceful gazelles, the swift-footed red-necked ostrich and other unique and magnificent species.

Here, on our list of "What Animals Live In The Sahara Desert?" we present some of the most iconic species of the Sahara Desert.

Sand Viper

A venomous species of snake, the viper Cerastes vipera inhabits the Sahara Desert. The snakes have a length of about 20-35 cm and possess a broad, triangular head and tiny eyes. The potent hemotoxin produced by this viper kills its prey almost immediately. Small mammals, birds, and lizards are their usual prey. Another species of venomous viper, the Cerastes cerastes also lives in the Sahara. The presence of a pair of supraocular "horns" helps to easily distinguish this viper species from others.

Saharan Silver Ant

A unique animal, the Saharan Silver Ant ( Cataglyphis bombycina), remains active for only 10 minutes a day. These creatures have longer legs than other ants and produce heat shock proteins before exiting their burrows. Both these adaptations help them survive the extreme heat of the desert.

Deathstalker Scorpion

The deathstalker scorpion ( Leiurus quinquestriatus) is the most poisonous scorpion species in the world. It produces a lethal cocktail of neurotoxins that might trigger excruciating pain in an adult human when bitten by this scorpion. Children, the aged, and the sock individuals are also at risk of dying by envenomation in extreme cases of deathstalker bites.

Desert Crocodile

When we speak of "What animals live in the Sahara Desert?" we hardly think of crocodiles. However, the West African crocodile ( Crocodylus suchus) inhabits some parts of the desert habitat where it remains in a state of aestivation during periods of drought, hidden away in the safety of caves and burrows. During the rainy season, the crocodiles emerge from their shelter and gather at gueltas.

Monitor Lizards

The desert monitor ( Varanus griseus) is a carnivorous lizard species found in the Sahara Desert. This animal is a cold-blooded creature and hence goes into hibernation from September to April. The lizards grow up to 1-2 meters in length and have an average lifetime of about eight years in the wild. The desert monitor feeds primarily on rodents, fish, and eggs but it might also feed on birds, small mammals, and other creatures if the opportunity arises.

Black-Faced Firefinch

The black-faced firefinch (Lagonosticta larvata) is a common bird belonging to the estrildid finch family of Africa. This species can be sighted in many countries of sub-Saharan Africa. Currently, the bird is classified as Least Concern because of its widespread distribution. However, populations of this bird are estimated to be declining steadily.

African Silverbill

The African silverbill ( Euodice cantans) is a bird that lives in arid landscapes. It is a resident bird of dry savanna regions of Africa bordering the Sahara Desert. The African silverbill is a sociable bird that perch atop trees in large flocks often huddled close together for long periods of time. They feed on grass seeds and seeds of growing plants.

Red-necked Ostrich

The North African ostrich ( Struthio camelus camelus) is the largest living bird in the world. It grows up to about 9 feet in length, has a pinkish-red neck, black/white plumage in males and gray plumage in females. Hunting for food, capture for farming, loss of habitat, etc., has led to the rapid decline of the population of this ostrich. The species is now found in only 6 of the 18 countries where it once existed.

Hyrax

Small, thickset, herbivorous mammals, the rock hyrax ( Procavia capensis) is found across sub-Saharan Africa. These animals usually take shelter inside rock crevices and come out at the time of foraging. They live in big groups of 10-80 animals and forage together.

African Wild Dog

An endangered species, the African wild dog ( Lycaon pictus) is native to sub-Saharan Africa. Today, only 39 subpopulations of this canid species exist comprised of 6,600 adults. Outbreaks of infectious diseases, persecution by humans, and habitat destruction are responsible for the decline in African wild dog populations. These animals are highly social, living and hunting in large packs. Uniquely, it is the females of this species that leaves the pack when sexually mature instead of the males. Antelopes are their primary prey.

Gazelles (Dorcas Gazelle, Rhim Gazelle, Dama Gazelle)

The dorcas gazelle ( Gazella dorcas), a small gazelle species, inhabits the Sahara Desert and surrounding grasslands. Designated as vulnerable by the IUCN, only 35,000-40,000 of these animals exist today. The dorcas gazelle is well-adapted to life in the desert. It can go without drinking for its entire lifetime, but when water is available, it does drink water. These gazelles are active between dusk to dawn when they forage for leaves, fruits, twigs, and flowers of desert vegetation.

With fewer than 2,500 individuals of the rhim gazelle ( Gazella leptoceros) left in the wild, this species has been declared to be endangered by IUCN. They are well adapted to survive the extremes of the desert habitat in which they live. These gazelles possess a pale coat color that reflects sunlight and enlarged hooves that allow them to walk smoothly in the desert sand.

The critically endangered species of gazelle, the dama gazelle ( Nanger dama) is today found only in Niger, Chad, and Mali though earlier it had a more widespread distribution. Hunting for meat and habitat loss threatens the survival of this species. These gazelles feed on leaves, fruits, grasses, and shoots of desert plants.

Dromedary Camels And Goats

The dromedary camel or the Arabian camel ( Camelus dromedarius), is the second largest camel species after the Bactrian camels. They have a single hump unlike the two humps of the Bactrian species. These camels have been domesticated by the human settlers of the Sahara and are utilized for various purposes like transport and meat. These camels are highly adapted to survive in arid conditions and are mainly nocturnal in nature. The people of the Sahara also keep domesticated goats for milk and meat. Both the camels and the goats were at one time found in the wild, but currently, wild populations of these animals are quite rare.

Desert Foxes (Fennec Fox, Pale Fox and Rüppell's Fox)

The Fennec fox ( Vulpes zerda) is the smallest canid species with unusually large ears that help dissipate heat. Its body is well adapted to the arid habitat, and it is found from Morocco through Egypt as well as down south till northern Niger and east till Kuwait and the Sinai Peninsula. It feeds on birds, insects, and rodents. One of the least studied species of fox, the pale fox's habitat stretches from Senegal to Sudan. Its sandy color well camouflages it in the desert, making it difficult to be detected.The Rüppell's fox (Vulpes rueppellii) is a small fox with a sandy coat and an omnivorous diet. It also finds its place on our list of "What Animals Live In The Sahara Desert?"

Saharan Cheetah

Among the top predatory animals that live in the Sahara Desert is the Saharan cheetah ( Acinonyx jubatus hecki). Only about 250 mature adults of this critically endangered species survive today. They are found primarily in the central western parts of the desert. These cheetahs have a pale colored coat and less visible spots and tear stripes than other African cheetahs. They feed on antelopes like the addax and the gazelles. Occasionally, they also hunt hares. They are usually solitary in nature with a semi-nomadic lifestyle. They mainly hunt at night.

Addax Antelope

A critically endangered species, the addax antelope ( Addax nasomaculatus) is rarely sighted in the Sahara. Indiscriminate hunting has wiped out large populations of this animal. The species is native to Mauritania, Chad, and Niger. It is characterized by its long, twisted horns and pale coat color which also lends it the name of white antelope. The addax antelopes are highly adapted to live in the harsh desert conditions and can sustain themselves without water for indefinite periods of time. Thus, they are found in extremely arid conditions, regions receiving less than 100 mm of annual rainfall. They feed on grasses and leaves of desert plants and obtain water from their food and dew.

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The Sahara Desert hosts an incredible array of species. Here, on our list of "What Animals Live In The Sahara Desert?" we present some of the most iconic species of the desert.

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StreetDirectory.com
Douglas Scott
2018

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Sahara Desert Has One of the Lowest Population Densities

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Politically, the Sahara lies largely in Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, Libya, Egypt, Mauritania, Mali, Niger, Chad and the Sudan. The Sahara Desert, covering most of North Africa, is the largest desert in the world. From north to south the Sahara is between 800 and 1200 miles and is at least 3000 miles from east to west.

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How Large is the sand?
Wikipedia
2016

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(Bottom left says how much can it take before ruined?)

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Alina Bradford
Camels: Facts, Types & Pictures
Live Science.com
2017

Alina Bradford explains about camels and their features.

This source is helpful because it tells us about camels and it gives us an idea of what we need to work around. It also tells us to heir size which illustrates our backpack sizes.

This is helpful because it gives us a lot of information about camels which lets us know more about dimensions and how large our bag should be and what they need.

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(Image credit: Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 Unported | Garrondo)

Camels are mammals with long legs, a big-lipped snout and a humped back. There are two types of camels: dromedary camels, which have one hump, and Bactrian camels, which have two humps. Camels' humps consist of stored fat, which they can metabolize when food and water is scarce.

In addition to their humps, camels have other ways to adapt to their environment. They have a third, clear eyelid that protects their eyes from blowing sand. Two rows of long lashes also protect their eyes. Sand up the nose can be a problem, but not for camels. They can shut their nostrils during sand storms.

Humans have used camels as a means of transport for thousands of years. They can carry about 375 to 600 lbs. (170 to 270 kilograms) on their backs, according to National Geographic. This earned these beasts of burden a nickname, "ships of the desert." Domestic camels are often the main source of meat, milk and even leather or wool products.

Size

Most camels tower above humans. A Bactrian camel, according to the San Diego Zoo, grows to a shoulder height of 6 feet (1.8 meters) and a body length of 10 feet (3 m). They normally weigh 1,320 to 2,200 lbs. (600 to 1,000 kg) when they are fully grown.

Dromedary camels get up to about 6.5 feet (2 m) tall at the shoulder and weigh 880 to 1,325 lbs. (400 to 600 kg).

(Image credit: alersandr hunta/Shutterstock.com)

Diet

Camels aren't picky about what they eat. Their thick lips allow them to eat things that most other animals couldn't, such as thorny plants. Camels are herbivores, though, so you won't find them eating meat.

Filling up on water, when it's available, is very important for camels. They can drink 30 gallons (113 liters) of water in just 13 minutes. Their bodies rehydrate faster than any other mammal.

When there is little food and water, the camel's hump fat releases water; 9.3 grams of fat releases 1.13 grams of water, according to research by the University of Singapore.

Habitat

The two types of camel are found in different parts of the world. The dromedary camel, also called an Arabian camel, can be found in North Africa and the Middle East. The Bactrian camel lives in Central Asia. No matter the type, camels are usually found in the desert, prairie or steppe. Though many people think that camels only live in hot climates, they do well in temperature ranges from 20 degrees F (minus 29 degrees C) to 120 degrees F (49 degrees C).

Habits

Camels like to stay together in groups called herds. The herds are led by a dominant male, while many of the other males form their own herd called a bachelor herd. Camels are very social and like to greet each other by blowing in each other's faces.

Offspring

After a gestation of 12 to 14 months, a mother camel will find a private spot to have her young. Female camels usually only have one baby, but sometimes camels have twins.

Baby camels are called calves. The newborn calf is able to walk within 30 minutes, though the two won't rejoin the herd until around two weeks later. Camels become fully mature when they are 7 years old. Camels live around 17 years.

Classification/ Taxonomy

Dromedary camels ( Camelus dromedarius) and the domestic Bactrian camel ( Camelus bactrianus) were named in 1758 by Swedish zoologist Carl Linnaeus, who only knew of the domestic variety. Wild Bactrian camels ( Camelus ferus) were discovered in 1878 by Nikolai Prejevalsky, a Russian geographer who explored Mongolia and Tibet.

For many years, the wild Bactrian was thought to be a subspecies of the domestic Bactrian. However, in recent years, DNA analysis confirmed that C. ferus was a separate species, according to the San Diego Zoo. The main difference between the two species is that the wild Bactrian has three more chromosome pairs than the domestic Bactrian.

Here is the classification of camels, according to Integrated Taxonomic Information System:

Kingdom: Animalia Subkingdom: Bilateria Infrakingdom: Deuterostomia Phylum: Chordata Subphylum: Vertebrata Infraphylum: Gnathostomata Superclass: Tetrapoda Class: Mammalia Subclass: Theria Infraclass: Eutheria Order: Artiodactyla Family: Camelidae Genus: Camelus Species:

Camelus bactrianus (Bactrian camel)

Camelus dromedarius (one-humped camel)

Subspecies:

Camelus bactrianus bactrianus

Camelus bactrianus ferus (wild Bactrian camel)

Conservation status

(Image credit: Wikimedia Commons user Daderot)

The wild Bactrian camel is considered critically endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature and has a population that is decreasing. In fact, wild camels are one of the most endangered large mammals. According to the Wild Camel Protection Foundation, there are fewer than 1,000 wild camels alive.

Other facts

Camels can run at 25 mph (40 kph) for long periods. If their owner is in a hurry, they can kick their speed up to 40 mph (67 kph).

The camel's hump is like a storage container. When camels use their stored fat, their hump will diminish. When they eat and drink again the hump will refill with fat.

Camels have oval-shaped red blood cells that help continue blood flow during times when water is scarce.

Camels are known for spitting on people. In fact, the animals are throwing up the contents of their stomach along with spit. This is a defense tactic when the animals feel threatened.

The large beasts make a variety of moans, groans and deep, throaty bellows. One of the camel's noises was even used to voice the character Chewbacca in the Star Wars movies.
Additional Resources

Alina Bradford is a contributing writer for Live Science. Over the past 16 years, Alina has covered everything from Ebola to androids while writing health, science and tech articles for major publications. She has multiple health, safety and lifesaving certifications from Oklahoma State University. Alina's goal in life is to try as many experiences as possible. To date, she has been a volunteer firefighter, a dispatcher, substitute teacher, artist, janitor, children's book author, pizza maker, event coordinator and much more.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
(Image credit: Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 Unported | Garrondo) Camels are mammals with long legs, a big-lipped snout and a humped back. There are two types of camels: dromedary camels, which have one hump, and Bactrian camels, which have two humps. Camels' humps consist of stored fat, which they can metabolize when food and water is scarce.

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450-600 lbs

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(Image credit: Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 Unported | Garrondo)

Camels are mammals with long legs, a big-lipped snout and a humped back. There are two types of camels: dromedary camels, which have one hump, and Bactrian camels, which have two humps. Camels' humps consist of stored fat, which they can metabolize when food and water is scarce.

In addition to their humps, camels have other ways to adapt to their environment. They have a third, clear eyelid that protects their eyes from blowing sand. Two rows of long lashes also protect their eyes. Sand up the nose can be a problem, but not for camels. They can shut their nostrils during sand storms.

Humans have used camels as a means of transport for thousands of years. They can carry about 375 to 600 lbs. (170 to 270 kilograms) on their backs, according to National Geographic. This earned these beasts of burden a nickname, "ships of the desert." Domestic camels are often the main source of meat, milk and even leather or wool products.

Size

Most camels tower above humans. A Bactrian camel, according to the San Diego Zoo, grows to a shoulder height of 6 feet (1.8 meters) and a body length of 10 feet (3 m). They normally weigh 1,320 to 2,200 lbs. (600 to 1,000 kg) when they are fully grown.

Dromedary camels get up to about 6.5 feet (2 m) tall at the shoulder and weigh 880 to 1,325 lbs. (400 to 600 kg).

(Image credit: alersandr hunta/Shutterstock.com)

Diet

Camels aren't picky about what they eat. Their thick lips allow them to eat things that most other animals couldn't, such as thorny plants. Camels are herbivores, though, so you won't find them eating meat.

Filling up on water, when it's available, is very important for camels. They can drink 30 gallons (113 liters) of water in just 13 minutes. Their bodies rehydrate faster than any other mammal.

When there is little food and water, the camel's hump fat releases water; 9.3 grams of fat releases 1.13 grams of water, according to research by the University of Singapore.

Habitat

The two types of camel are found in different parts of the world. The dromedary camel, also called an Arabian camel, can be found in North Africa and the Middle East. The Bactrian camel lives in Central Asia. No matter the type, camels are usually found in the desert, prairie or steppe. Though many people think that camels only live in hot climates, they do well in temperature ranges from 20 degrees F (minus 29 degrees C) to 120 degrees F (49 degrees C).

Habits

Camels like to stay together in groups called herds. The herds are led by a dominant male, while many of the other males form their own herd called a bachelor herd. Camels are very social and like to greet each other by blowing in each other's faces.

Offspring

After a gestation of 12 to 14 months, a mother camel will find a private spot to have her young. Female camels usually only have one baby, but sometimes camels have twins.

Baby camels are called calves. The newborn calf is able to walk within 30 minutes, though the two won't rejoin the herd until around two weeks later. Camels become fully mature when they are 7 years old. Camels live around 17 years.

Classification/ Taxonomy

Dromedary camels ( Camelus dromedarius) and the domestic Bactrian camel ( Camelus bactrianus) were named in 1758 by Swedish zoologist Carl Linnaeus, who only knew of the domestic variety. Wild Bactrian camels ( Camelus ferus) were discovered in 1878 by Nikolai Prejevalsky, a Russian geographer who explored Mongolia and Tibet.

For many years, the wild Bactrian was thought to be a subspecies of the domestic Bactrian. However, in recent years, DNA analysis confirmed that C. ferus was a separate species, according to the San Diego Zoo. The main difference between the two species is that the wild Bactrian has three more chromosome pairs than the domestic Bactrian.

Here is the classification of camels, according to Integrated Taxonomic Information System:

Kingdom: Animalia Subkingdom: Bilateria Infrakingdom: Deuterostomia Phylum: Chordata Subphylum: Vertebrata Infraphylum: Gnathostomata Superclass: Tetrapoda Class: Mammalia Subclass: Theria Infraclass: Eutheria Order: Artiodactyla Family: Camelidae Genus: Camelus Species:

Camelus bactrianus (Bactrian camel)

Camelus dromedarius (one-humped camel)

Subspecies:

Camelus bactrianus bactrianus

Camelus bactrianus ferus (wild Bactrian camel)

Conservation status

(Image credit: Wikimedia Commons user Daderot)

The wild Bactrian camel is considered critically endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature and has a population that is decreasing. In fact, wild camels are one of the most endangered large mammals. According to the Wild Camel Protection Foundation, there are fewer than 1,000 wild camels alive.

Other facts

Camels can run at 25 mph (40 kph) for long periods. If their owner is in a hurry, they can kick their speed up to 40 mph (67 kph).

The camel's hump is like a storage container. When camels use their stored fat, their hump will diminish. When they eat and drink again the hump will refill with fat.

Camels have oval-shaped red blood cells that help continue blood flow during times when water is scarce.

Camels are known for spitting on people. In fact, the animals are throwing up the contents of their stomach along with spit. This is a defense tactic when the animals feel threatened.

The large beasts make a variety of moans, groans and deep, throaty bellows. One of the camel's noises was even used to voice the character Chewbacca in the Star Wars movies.
Additional Resources

Alina Bradford is a contributing writer for Live Science. Over the past 16 years, Alina has covered everything from Ebola to androids while writing health, science and tech articles for major publications. She has multiple health, safety and lifesaving certifications from Oklahoma State University. Alina's goal in life is to try as many experiences as possible. To date, she has been a volunteer firefighter, a dispatcher, substitute teacher, artist, janitor, children's book author, pizza maker, event coordinator and much more.

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(Image credit: Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 Unported | Garrondo) Camels are mammals with long legs, a big-lipped snout and a humped back. There are two types of camels: dromedary camels, which have one hump, and Bactrian camels, which have two humps. Camels' humps consist of stored fat, which they can metabolize when food and water is scarce.

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We are trying to make a camel backpack that can keep out sand and heat while holding water.

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We are trying to make a camel backpack that can keep out sand and heat while holding water.

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Needs to be sand proof and have a way to get sand out if needed.

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Needs to be sand proof and have a way to get sand out if needed.

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According to Eremologists, 25% of the Sahara is covered in sand

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It needs to have a large water supply. Inside of the bag.

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It needs to have a large water supply. Inside of the bag.

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The topographical qualities of the Sahara consists of two sub-climates. Dry sub-tropical in the north and Dry tropical in the south.

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Anders M.
Backpack Basics
Boy Scouts of America

Mark Anders describes backpacks main basics and focuses.

For example, he talk about how packpacks  fit and explains how th strap part is very important and also talks about good prices for these bags

This source is helpful because it can tell us about how backpacks should be strapped and how much space that you would have available to carry things in.

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The DuneFinder
The all-new easy to use DuneFinder protects all of your belongings from the desert sand with a protective sealed shell and mesh design. The sealed and withstanding fabric creates an air tight and accessible bag denying access to any sand in. The new polyester mesh concept lets any excess sand leak out of the bag without a hassle. The durable and versatile frame of the DuneFinder will stay sturdy but all the while not letting the sand be contained. Also, The new DuneFinder has a strong shell made out of thin metal* to keep that sand out. Our pack will keep out that sand with our adaptive concepts. The sand will be no more after switching to the DuneFinder.

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The type of camel is a Dromedary