Camels in Ethiopia and Somalia suffer from extreme heat and drought
Camels, known for their resilience, are increasingly affected by rising temperatures in Africa, particularly in the Afar region of Ethiopia and in Somalia. Ali Umer, a camel herder from Semera, reports his camels are suffering from extreme heat, developing blisters, watery eyes, and burnt skin, leading to the loss of eight camel calves in a month. Scientists and animal welfare workers corroborate these observations, noting stress, fatigue, dehydration, and increased disease prevalence. Higher temperatures also indirectly harm camels by causing severe loss of water, vegetation, and reduced shaded areas. North Africa and the Horn of Africa host about 80% of the world's dromedary camel population. A 2025 study based on camel herders' perceptions in southern Ethiopia indicated that high temperatures and climate variability negatively impact camel health, productivity, and reproductive performance. In Somalia, a June study revealed widespread drought-related camel mortality, affecting nearly 46% of camel-owning households, with a staggering 73% mortality rate in northern regions. Experts attribute this to extreme heat, which causes water to evaporate from soil and plants, exacerbated by inadequate veterinary services and animal management. Veterinarians are reporting an increase in sick camels and deaths due to these conditions.
