Cows, here and across much of Africa, have been the most important animal for eons — the foundation of economies, diets, traditions. But now grazable land is shrinking. Water sources are drying up. A three-year drought in the Horn of Africa that ended last year killed 80 percent of the cows in this part of Kenya and shattered the livelihoods of so many people…
The global camel population has doubled over the last 20 years, something the U.N. agency for agriculture and investment attributes partly to the animal’s suitability amid climate change. In times of hardship, camels produce more milk than cows. Many cite an adage: The cow is the first animal to die in a drought; the camel is the last…
But among mammals, the camel is almost singularly equipped to handle extremes. Camels can go two weeks without water, as opposed to a day or two for a cow. They can lose 30 percent of their body weight and survive, one of the highest thresholds for any large animal. Their body temperatures fluctuate in sync with daily climate patterns. When they pee, their urine trickles down their legs, keeping them cool. When they lie down, their leathery knees fold into pedestals that work to prop much of their undersides just above the ground, allowing cooling air to pass through.
One recently published paper, perhaps straying from science to reverence, called them a “miracle species.”
— Chico Harlan, from “How Climate Change is Turning Camels into the New Cows” (Washington Post, April 17, 2024)
Read more here.
Notes:
- Post Title: Background on Caleb/Wednesday/Hump Day Posts and Geico’s original commercial: Let’s Hit it Again.
Hey Mikey!! What day is it today??? HHD!!!
Brill short video! Interesting facts – does that mean than humans begin to consider eating camels? The mind boggles
Human do eat camels. I believe Sawsan has eaten camel. Can you believe that?
I couldn’t do it. Camels are too cute (at least in photos).
I NEVER ate camel. I have seen people eat camel. I don’t think I can.
My only meat os chicken, beef, lamb, and everything from the sea.
Camel resemble humans too much for me to eat.
Still LAUGHING….
For the record, Paul told me that you did.
Paul did not!
Well….
Guess which side of the fence I am firmly on today Dave! LOL. There’s a big tree on this side of the fence, and I have chained myself to it!!
(Unrelated comment… Guess with the low temperature is going to be in the Great White North tonight? TWENTY FIVE “flipping” degrees! And that is not Celsius! Somebody shoot me! PLEASE!!)
Laughing.
Not even Switzerland!!! Wow Paul.
I’m guessing that they were miracles forever, but that humans just figured it out. brilliant
Right!!!
OMG!! CALEB!! WELCOME BACK!!
We missed you SO MUCH!!
If you ever decide to take another extended vacation… PLEASE TAKE ME WITH YOU!! You should’ve seen what Dave tried to do to me yesterday!… Something about running a book club…
Fascinating. Another fun thing…you can ride a camel and while I suppose, technically m you can ride a cow, I don’t see it being done much. 😉 Welcome back, Caleb…we’ve missed you!
Yes. Laughing….
Fascinating!
I can’t help wondering now what camels milk tastes like. I’ve tasted the difference between goats milk and cows milk, but just can’t wrap my brain around camels milk.
100% with you! I’m old and old school!
YEAH! Welcome back Caleb. Thanks for bringing along all your buddies.
And now I know why camel meat tastes somewhat dry!
UGH!
I missed the camel so much!!!!! Yeah!
Wow, who knew that Caleb was so popular!
YES! You made him a staple among your readers. 🙂
OK Then!
Now, can we request more photos of the boy?
You mean Wally (our Frenchie?)
Of course!
Dave… Thanks for kidnapping Caleb! Don’t let that little devil (or his buddies) get away again! I bet Wally would be great at herding camels! 😉
Wally can’t herd a single tennis ball!
Lol…well, it was just a thought. I guess Wally is more the academic type. Hey! Maybe he could run the book club!
Of course he may not have time. I know he is “flat out” with all his executive assistant duties!
He heard you tossed the idea and then ran, so he too has no interest in chairing the book club.
GOOD BOY WALLY!!!
Y’all are making me laugh this morning 😂
Yay!
Glad to see this feature back. Love love camels. And they are amazing creatures for sure!
Thank you Darlene. Yet another Fan for the Caleb Fan Club!
Lovely creatures, the both of them. That vid made me smile 🙂
Yes, Me too Laila!
TY!! Love it! Love it! Love it!! …. you’ve made my day today!! Caleb makes me so happy. I’m very glad … by popular demand!! … <3
Sorry for the absence Horty!
🥰
Good to see Caleb and friends.
Thanks!
The prodigal camel returns!
Where ya’ been Caleb? Back and with friends.
THE BOYS ARE BACK IN TOWN!!!!
-Alan
Laughing! Yes they are Alan. Hope you are doing well.
Hanging in there Dave. Hope you are well too.
-Alan
Same Alan. Thanks!
Yes! Please do it again.
Ah, so good to see Caleb lead the way! HHD, Dave!
Hey Marina! He’s back! We hope.
given my absence from blogging, I was unaware that this series was on hiatus! good to see it back!
It was. Caleb was an extended sabbatical!