Do Camels Store Water in Their Humps?

Contrary to popular belief, camels do not store water in their humps. Camel humps actually store fatty deposits, which get used for energy when food is not available. Camels have several other means to stay hydrated, though. Their nostrils can trap a lot of water vapor, they sweat only a little, and their urine and feces contain very little moisture. A dehydrated camel can drink as much as 32 gallons (about 120 liters) of water in about 15 minutes.

More facts about camels:

• Camels' humps serve as protection from the sun. The humps are made up of adipose, or fatty tissue, which conducts heat slowly, so they help camels keep a suitable body temperature. Also, fur is thicker on camels' humps than on the other parts of their bodies, which further helps with insulation and allows heat to escape from the lower parts of their bodies.


• There are two species of camel: dromedaries, or Arabian Camels, which have one hump; and Bactrian camels, which have two humps. There are still feral populations of Bactrian camels in China and Mongolia and feral dromedaries in central Australia.


• When camels spit, they're not only expelling saliva, they also bring up stomach contents, and then direct the stream of spit and stomach contents at whatever is threatening or bothering them.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do camels store water in their humps?

No, camels do not store water in their humps. The hump is actually a reservoir of fatty tissue. When food is scarce, camels can metabolize this fat to release water and energy, with each gram of fat releasing more than one gram of water when metabolized, according to scientific research on camel metabolism.

What is the purpose of a camel's hump?

A camel's hump serves as a storage site for fat, which the animal can convert into water and energy when necessary. This adaptation allows camels to endure long periods without food and water, making them well-suited to desert environments where resources are scarce.

How long can camels go without water?

Camels are incredibly drought-resistant animals and can go up to two weeks without water under extreme conditions. However, when they do have access to water, they can drink up to 40 gallons in one go, as per studies on camel hydration and water storage capabilities.

How do camels conserve water?

Camels conserve water through several physiological adaptations. They have the ability to fluctuate their body temperature to avoid sweating, they excrete dry feces and concentrated urine, and their red blood cells can change shape to facilitate flow in a dehydrated state, which all contribute to their remarkable water conservation.

Can camels survive in environments other than deserts?

While camels are synonymous with desert habitats, they are versatile animals that can also thrive in other environments. Domesticated camels have been successfully raised in grassland and arid regions around the world, demonstrating their adaptability beyond just desert ecosystems.

What happens to a camel's hump when it uses up its fat stores?

When a camel utilizes the fat stored in its hump for nutrition and hydration, the hump can become flaccid and droop down. Once the camel refuels on food and water, the fat stores are replenished, and the hump returns to its upright, firm state, indicating the animal's good health and energy reserves.