Even camels, famous for surviving deserts, are struggling as Africa’s extreme heat and drought intensify. Scientists explain why climate change is threatening even nature’s most heat-tolerant animals.
Gurpreet Singh
July 23, 2026 / 17:41 IST
Camel deaths are rising due to Africa’s heatwave. (Image: Canva)
- Camels in Kenya are dying from “extreme heat”.
- Climate crisis causes drought and depleting resources.
- Even desert animals struggle with climate change.
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Camels are among the world’s toughest animals. They are very tolerant of high temperatures and drought. However, even they are taking the strain of Africa’s increasingly dire climate crisis.
Camel calves are dying and adult camel are suffering weakened because of extreme heat and long dry spell in the north of Kenya. As the temperatures rise, the grazing land and wateritions beyond the tolerance of the camel, scientists cautions
What is happening in Africa?
In recent years, East Africa has experienced a number of hot dry spells. One of the most affected areas is in Northern Kenya.
The temperature rose to about 40°C, and water travelling farther in search of food and water for their animals
Extreme heat is killing camels
Deserts are a place that camels are adapted for. They can store fat in their humps, they lose less water and their body heat is higher than normal. But there are limits to these adaptations. Camel calves are most susceptible until they reach these young ages.
They become dehydrated and their immune systems become compromised during periods of extreme heat. Drought also has a negative effect on the production of mothers’ milk and can make eating all the harder.
Last 2 years there has been a 15% increase in camel deaths in the area. (Image: Canva)
What is the scientific explanation for this?
Thermal stress is not responsible for the issue, as per researchers. This is the result of record temperatures, extended dry periods, and killed vegetation. Due to climate change, heatwaves are becoming more common and severe.
The climate of desert areas are hard conditions for animals that are no longer suitable for them. This is considered to be a warning sign for ecosystems being more stressed by climate change.
Can “they” be saved?
Improved water supply and protected grazing area and veterinary care can minimise losses, experts say. Helping out local pastoral communities is also important. But these measures can only help to contain and minimize damage.
Even species evolved in natural climatic conditions in the desert warn scientists of the danger.
Climate change is the real problem
The primary peril, according to scientists, is the increased temperatures in the world. Unless the amount of greenhouse gas in the atmosphere is decreased, extreme heat will keep getting hotter.
Africa’s camels are struggling to survive and neither they nor nature’s toughest animals are safe from a warming planet.
Gurpreet Singh
first published: Jul 23, 2026 05:41 pm
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