Morphometric Characterization and Variation of Somali Dromedary Camels (Camelus dromedarius) in a selected district of Benadir Region

Abstract

Camels are one of the hardy animal species known for their high adaptability to extreme climatic conditions. However, scientific studies on this important animal species are limited. This study aims to investigate the statistical relationships between some body measurements of dromedary camels with different characteristics raised in the Mogadishu, Somalia. The research was carried out on a total of 248 camels (102 males, 146 females) of different age groups, belonging to the SiifDacar, Hoor, and Eyddimo types, raised in camel farms in Dharkenley, Dayniile, and Hodan districts of Mogadishu. Body measurements were taken manually using a standard measuring tape, and the collected data were subjected to statistical analysis. As a result of the analyses, significant differences were found between the camels named with the local language as mentioned above in terms of withers height, rump height, body length, and shoulder width in female camels. In male camels, it was determined that there was a statistically significant difference among the camels named in terms of rump width. When evaluated specifically for female camels, it was found that the camels of the SiifDacar had higher withers and rump height compared to the camels of the Hoor, and were also longer than the other two different camels. Although no notable difference in shoulder width was found between the Hoor and Eyddimo camels, Siif Dacar females exhibited broader shoulders than both. In male camels, Siif Dacar had a significantly wider rump compared to those of the Hoor camels. Furthermore, the study identified varying degrees of statistically significant correlations among different body measurements in the camels. Overall, it was observed that female camels of the Siif Dacar were larger in size compared to those of the Hoor and Eyddimo camels, and that male camels generally exhibited greater body dimensions than females. These findings contribute to the registration of the different-named camel types in Somalia as separate breeds and to a better understanding of the morphological characteristics of camels.