While camels are renowned as the ultimate desert transport, even these resilient creatures face challenges in Africa’s extreme heat.
The Afar region in northeastern Ethiopia is known as one of the hottest and most arid places on the planet, where nomadic herders often lead camel caravans to transport essential salt across the scorching desert landscape.
“I can see the camels suffering due to the intense heat,” stated Ali Umer, a camel herder based in Semera, Afar region, in an interview with the BBC.
A 40-year-old owner of approximately 500 camels shared, “When I sit there, my feet blister, my eyes water, the hot sand scorches my skin and damages my hair.”
“In just the past month, we have tragically lost eight camel calves due to the relentless heatwave, and the temperature is escalating in intensity,” he lamented.
“Even the winds that used to provide a cooling effect now bring scorching heat,” he added, noting significant temperature fluctuations observed over recent years.
He isn’t alone in his concerns. Numerous scientists, animal welfare advocates, and various studies are highlighting the detrimental impacts of extreme heat, including stress, fatigue, dehydration, and increased disease prevalence.
Rising temperatures indirectly threaten camel populations by causing severe reductions in water supply and vegetation, alongside diminishing shaded areas essential for their survival.
Source: www.bbc.co.uk