From ancient rock carvings to cutting-edge genomics, discover how camel research is revealing solutions to climate change and food security challenges.
In the vast, silent deserts of northern Saudi Arabia, a monumental discovery lies etched in stone. Life-sized camels, gazelles, and wild donkeys gaze out from rock faces, their forms carved with astonishing precision over 12,000 years ago. These ancient artworks, some standing over six feet tall, reveal more than just artistic skill—they testify to humanity's enduring relationship with the very species that made life possible in these harsh landscapes 3 6 .
Today, that relationship is entering a new era as scientists employ cutting-edge genomic technologies to unravel the biological secrets that enable these remarkable animals to thrive where others perish. From the deserts of Arabia to the drylands of Africa, camels are emerging as unexpected climate heroes, offering solutions to food security, climate adaptation, and sustainable livelihoods in a warming world 8 .
The recent discovery of 12,000-year-old rock carvings in the Saudi Arabian desert has revolutionized our understanding of human-camel history. Archaeologists from the Max Planck Institute of Geoanthropology found these sophisticated engravings, created using simple wedge-shaped rocks on narrow cliff ledges where artists risked their lives to create them 3 6 .
Rock carvings created in Saudi Arabian desert
Previous estimate of human-camel coexistence
Genomic research reveals camel adaptations
These findings push back the timeline of human-camel coexistence by 2,000 years 7 , revealing that well-established communities not only survived but created sophisticated art during challenging climatic periods. The camel wasn't merely a subject of art—it was the key to survival in environments where water was scarce and temperatures extreme.
While archaeologists piece together humanity's historical relationship with camels, geneticists are embarking on an equally ambitious project: mapping the camel genome to understand the biological foundations of their remarkable resilience.
In a landmark partnership between Murdoch University and Saudi Arabia's Al-Nahdi Family, scientists are developing the world's most comprehensive genetic map of dromedary and Bactrian camels 1 . This "pangenome" project represents a quantum leap in camel research, moving beyond a single reference genome to capture the full genetic diversity across global camel populations.
The research begins with genetic samples from DromeDairy, a Western Australian camel dairy operated by Dr. Max Bergmann, then expands to camel populations worldwide to create a truly comprehensive global genetic map 1 .
Despite significant advances in genomic sequencing, a critical challenge remains: what researchers call "the phenotypic gap" 2 5 . While scientists have identified numerous genetic markers associated with valuable traits, they often lack the corresponding phenotypic data—detailed measurements of physical characteristics, milk yield, growth rates, and disease resistance—to translate these genetic discoveries into practical breeding applications 2 .
| Trait Category | Key Genes Identified | Potential Application |
|---|---|---|
| Growth & Body Size | TBX15, MYO3A, ACTR3B | Enhancing growth rates and skeletal development 2 |
| Milk Production | TYRP1, GPC5, WNT4 | Improving milk yield and composition 2 5 |
| Environmental Adaptation | BAG5, SEPTIN7, NOTCH2 | Breeding for climate resilience 2 |
| Coat Color | ANKRD26, SNAI1, TBX15 | Meeting cultural preferences 2 |
| Athletic Performance | ACTN3, MSTN, PPARGC1A | Enhancing racing capabilities 2 |
Modern camel research employs an array of sophisticated technologies and methods to connect genetic blueprints with physical traits:
This method examines which genes are actively being expressed in different tissues, revealing the molecular mechanisms behind processes like lactation and heat tolerance 5 .
Combining genomic, phenotypic, and environmental data to build predictive models for camel breeding and conservation.
Beyond the laboratory, camel research is delivering tangible benefits to communities facing climate challenges. In northern Kenya, where recurrent droughts have devastated traditional livelihoods, camel rearing has emerged as a vital adaptation strategy 8 .
During the 2020-2022 drought, camel losses were significantly lower than those of cattle and small ruminants across the Horn of Africa 8 . A single lactating camel can produce 3-15 liters of milk per day for up to 24 months, providing a crucial safety net for pastoral families when other food sources fail 8 .
The camel milk industry has restructured pastoral livelihoods across Kenya, Somalia, and Ethiopia, creating economic opportunities particularly for women 8 . In Isiolo County, Kenya, six camel milk cooperatives—all owned and managed by women—have emerged since the early 2000s 8 .
Source: 8
The camel product revolution extends far beyond fresh milk. Entrepreneurs are now producing camel yogurt, cheese, sausages, and even "camelcino" coffee drinks 8 . In Isiolo, the Masterslices factory produces certified camel sausages, nyirinyiri (sun-dried and oil-fried camel meat), bone marrow, and purified camel hump fat for culinary use 8 .
The cosmetic industry has also discovered camels, transforming their milk into soaps, shampoos, lip balms, and body oils 8 . These value-added products create new market opportunities while preserving cultural heritage.
Pastoralists struggle to detect and treat emerging camel diseases due to limited veterinary infrastructure and testing facilities 8 .
Aggressive infrastructure development—roads, renewable energy farms, and military installations—is diminishing the vast grazing lands camels require 8 .
Camels have a 13-month gestation period, and calves take 4-5 years to reach reproductive maturity, slowing genetic progress 8 .
In Kenya, up to 50% of camel milk is wasted due to lack of cooling infrastructure and long transportation distances 8 .
| Time Period | Publications | Key Research Focus Areas |
|---|---|---|
| 2019-2023 | ~30% of all camel papers | Genomics, climate adaptation, dairy science |
| Pre-2019 | ~70% of all camel papers | Basic anatomy, physiology, traditional knowledge |
| Top Institutions | King Saud University, King Faisal University, Cairo University | Agricultural sciences, veterinary medicine, genetics |
The international research community is responding to these challenges with unprecedented collaboration. The 1st Networking Seminar on Camel Genetics, Genomics and Phenotypic Assessment, scheduled for June 2025, will bring together scientists worldwide to harmonize research approaches and accelerate progress 4 .
The declaration of 2024 as the International Year of Camelids by the United Nations has further elevated the profile of these remarkable animals, recognizing their contribution to food security, nutrition, economic growth, and the Sustainable Development Goals 8 .
From the ancient artists who carved camels into desert cliffs to the geneticists now sequencing their DNA, humanity continues to uncover new layers of understanding about these desert survivors. As climate change intensifies, the secrets we unlock from the camel genome may prove vital not just for the communities who depend on them, but for all of us seeking sustainable ways to thrive in a rapidly changing world.
For those interested in contributing to or learning more about camel genomics research, the International Camel Consortium for Genetic Improvement and Conservation (ICC-GIC) will host its first networking seminar during the week of June 23-28, 2025, in alignment with World Camel Day (June 22) 4 .