Africa's camels are facing a dire threat as rising temperatures take a devastating toll on these desert-dwelling creatures. The Afar region of northeastern Ethiopia, known for its extreme heat and aridity, is at the epicenter of this crisis. Here, camel herders like Ali Umer are witnessing the suffering of their beloved animals, with blisters, watery eyes, and skin burns being just some of the visible signs of heat stress. The situation is so dire that Umer has lost eight camel calves in the past month alone, a stark reminder of the escalating impact of climate change on these resilient creatures.
What makes this story particularly poignant is the historical significance of camels in these regions. Known as the 'ships of the desert', these animals have been a lifeline for farmers and cattle herders, providing resilience against harsh heat and drought conditions. However, a study published in 2025 revealed the detrimental impact of high temperatures and climate variability on camel herd health, with herders in southern Ethiopia reporting a decline in camel health, productivity, and reproductive performance. The situation is even more dire in neighboring Somalia, where drought-related camel mortality is affecting nearly 46% of camel-owning households, with Sool reporting a staggering mortality rate of nearly 73%.
The primary cause of this crisis is extreme heat, which causes water from soil and water bodies to turn into vapor, leading to severe water loss and reduced vegetation. This, in turn, exacerbates the suffering of camels by causing dehydration, fatigue, and disease prevalence. The situation is further complicated by inadequate veterinary services and animal management, which make the impact of extreme heat even more severe. The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) reports that extreme heat events have become a common phenomenon in several North African countries, with heatwaves increasing in frequency and intensity since 1981. In 2024, several countries in the region and the Middle East reported temperatures above 50C.
What makes this story even more concerning is the impact of heat stress on camel metabolism. When temperatures rise beyond their comfort range, camels experience a slowdown in metabolism, leading to a sharp reduction in food intake, lethargy, and generalized fatigue. This, in turn, leads to a drop in milk production and reproductive disorders. The long list of effects of heat stress on camels, including weight loss, inflammation, muscle and bone-related illnesses, chemical imbalance due to kidney malfunction, and infectious diseases caused by parasites, further underscores the dire situation these animals are facing.
The solution to this crisis lies in targeted interventions during high-risk periods, such as strategic water provisioning, supplemental feeding, and enhanced disease monitoring. However, the unprecedented intensity of current heatwaves directly threatens the vital functions of these historically resilient animals, turning them into climate victims. As the Horn of Africa recovers from the longest and most severe recorded drought, the region is now facing another round of harsh conditions, with water prices in some parts of Somalia rising by more than 2,000% due to the drought. The future of Africa's camels hangs in the balance, and the need for urgent action to protect these creatures has never been more critical.
