The dromedary camel, also called the Arabian camel is a large, even-toed ungulate with one hump on its back. The dromedary is the next largest member of the camel family after the Bactrian camel. Males are 1.8–2 meters tall and females 1.7–1.9 meter tall. Males range from 400–600 kg (880–1,300 lb), while females weigh 300–540 kg (660–1,190 lb). They vary in color from a light beige to dark brown with a notable hump, measuring 20 cm (7.9 in) high.
Their diet includes foliage and desert vegetation, like thorny plants which their extremely tough mouths allow them to eat. The camels are active in the day, and rest together in groups. Led by a dominant male, each herd consists of about 20 individuals. Dromedaries have bushy eyebrows and two rows of long eyelashes to protect their eyes and can close their nostrils to face sandstorms. Their ears are also lined with protective hair. When water-deprived they can fluctuate their body temperature by 6 degrees C, changing from a morning minimum of 34 degrees to a maximum of 40 degrees or so in the afternoon. This is to allow heat flow from the environment to the body to be reduced and thereby water loss through perspiration is prevented. They have specialized kidneys, which make them able to tolerate water loss of more than 30% of their body mass; a loss of 15% would prove fatal in most other animals.
Its origin is unclear, but it was probably domesticated about 4000 years ago. Today there are almost 13 million domesticated dromedaries. The dromedaries are beneficial as beasts of burden, and their docility and toughness compared to cattle are additional advantages. The hair is a highly regarded source material for woven goods.
The Cache is located near an interesting sign, which raises the questions; How many camels does it take to weigh 55 tons?