Camels are usually spotted in dry areas and large plains. They have different shades of fur that help in different situations. These amazing animals are part of the Camelidae family. They are quite famous for being strong, tough, and having a really cool look.
Usually, camel furs are shades of yellow and orange. But hardly, some camels are grey and black, which solely depends on the type of camel. In this article, we’ll learn more about the color of camels and the reason behind it.
What Color Are Camels and Camel Fur?
Camel fur comes in many natural colors that match their surroundings. The most common ones are Dark brown, Sandy Beige, Black, White, and Grey. The fur color easily blends in with the sandy hills of deserts or the rough land of dry areas.
1. Dark Brown Camels
- RGB: (113,76,49)
- Hex: #714c31
- Eye Colour: Dark Brown
- Tongue Colour: Pink
Dark brown camels have dark fur, which can go from dark brown to almost black. These camels are also known as Bactrian camels. They are found in the Gobi deserts of Mongolia and parts of China. These camels are special due to the two humps on their backs.
The humps help them stay hydrated and store fats for a long time. Especially where they live, it is always dry. The dark fur helps them survive extreme temperature changes.
2. Sandy Beige Camels
- RGB: (193,154,107)
- Hex: #C19A68
- Eye Color: Brown
- Tongue Color: Pink
The sandy beige camels have this light brown fur, which looks like the sand in the desert. They are found in some parts of Central Asia and the dry areas of the Sahara in Africa. They are really fitting for living in the desert.
The reason for their fur is to control their body temperature by keeping them cool. Also, it’s to camouflage within the desert sands, which protects them from danger.
3. Black Camels
- RGB: (31,28,25)
- Hex: #1f1c19
- Eye color: Dark Brown
- Tongue color: Pinkish-Grey
The black camels are not very common amongst other camels. They have the black fur because of their genes and special breeding. Black camels are found in places where people would keep camels. Although black might seem strange in hot areas, they can live like other camels with light colors in deserts.
4. Grey Camels
- RGB: (188,198,200)
- Hex: #bcc6c8
- Eye colour: Brown
- Tongue colour: Pinkish-Grey
Grey camels have either light or dark grey-colored fur. Unlike brown or beige camels, these grey camels are hard to find. Their fur color helps them hide in places like rocky or grey lands.
Just like other camels, they survive in hard situations. They do that by storing water and living in extremely hot or cold weather.
5. White Camels
- RGB: (254,253,233)
- Hex: #fefde9
- Eye colour: Brown
- Tongue colour: Pink
White camels are very rare. That is why it is harder to spot them, but they definitely exist. These camels have light fur compared to other camels. This white color of camels happens naturally due to their genes.
Even though they live and survive like other camels. It is really hard for them to hide in places to be safe. This makes it easier to spot them for the predators in the deserts and puts them in danger very easily.
Why Camels Have Different Colored Fur?
Just like how people have different looks and appearances, camels have various colored furs. The reason behind that could be genetics. That’s why you see camels with light or darker colors than others.
Furthermore, it can also be due to their age and health that their fur appears differently. Younger camels do not have the same colored fur as the adults. The camel’s overall health also indicates how good and shiny its fur looks.
Purpose of The Colored Fur
Camel fur colors have different purposes. These help the camels in many different situations.
1. A Good Insulation
Camel fur offers very good insulation. It’s like a big warm coat that helps the camel regulate its temperature. The fur keeps the camel warm as it traps air close to the camel’s body. The trapped air then acts like a shield. This is what helps the camel withstand such extreme temperature change.
2. Heat Absorption
Darker-colored furs are really good at absorbing heat and sunlight. This stored heat prevents the camel from losing warmth. Maintaining a stable body temperature even in colder situations.
3. Camouflage
One of the main purposes of the fur color is to give camels the ability to camouflage. The fur is just like the colour of sand, which makes it easier for predators to not spot them. When the camels are not moving , the fur hides them so well that they might go unnoticeable!
4. Water-resistant
Camel fur helps a camel greatly to survive in dry places like the desert. Apart from being a warm coat to the camel, the fur is also water-resistant. This is really important to preserve the body’s moisture when there isn’t much water around. Besides this, the fur also stops them from getting too wet when it rains, keeping the camel dry.
What Color Is Camel’s Milk?
Camel’s milk usually appears light and creamy white color with a hex value of #fcfdf9. But sometimes it may be different. This depends solely on what the camel eats or if the camel is unique.
Although its taste is different from cows milk, camel milk is very healthy. Some people might prefer to consume it fresh. But the camel milk can also be processed into cheese, yogurt or other dairy products.
Camel Fur in Fashion
Fashion with camel fur is quite common in fashion industries. The fur can be used to make fancy and stylish clothes like coats, jackets and vests. Fashion designers often prefer using camel fur in their exclusive collections.
The camel fur elevates the look and keeps the body warm. Some regions use camel fur to make clothes as a part of their traditions. So it’s safe to say, wearing camel fur is a mixture of old tradition with new fashion.
Conclusion
The color of camel fur showcases how beautifully an animal can adapt to fit in where they live. Camels can be of any color, depending on their breed or genetics.
Not only does the camel help them stay hidden but also shields them from environmental hazards. So, the next time you see a camel, don’t forget to be amazed by how wonderful they are.
Frequently Asked Question
What is the color of a camel?
A camel’s color is light yellow-brown and can be represented by the hex code #C19A6B.
Can camels be different colors?
Yes, camels can be of different colors. The most common ones are – dark brown, beige, grey-white, and pied ecotypes.
Which camel is rare?
One of the critically endangered species of camel is the wild Bactrian camel or Camelus ferus.
Which country has the most camels?
The largest population of camels in the wild is found in the Australian desert.
What camel is extinct?
Camelops existed from the late Pliocene Epoch to the end of the Pleistocene Epoch and are extinct.
Dr. Patrick Simon, DVM, is a qualified veterinarian specializing in exotic animals, especially reptiles. He has a master’s degree in zoology and a doctorate in veterinary medicine from the University of California, Davis. He has worked with various reptile owners and rescues for over ten years, providing expert care and advice. He is passionate about educating people about the fascinating world of reptiles and their unique needs.