Extreme heat kills camels in Africa

Extreme heat across Africa and the Middle East, with temperatures exceeding 50°C, is causing widespread camel deaths and suffering. In Ethiopia's Afar region, herder Ali Umer lost eight camel calves in one month. Studies in Somalia show drought-related camel mortality affecting nearly 46% of camel-owning households, with Sool region reporting a 73% mortality rate. In Kenya, veterinary officer Hassan Nuya Guyo reported a 15% increase in camel deaths over two years. Scientists warn that prolonged heat above 41-45°C damages camels' cells and immune systems, leading to reduced milk production and reproductive disorders. Herders in Ethiopia are permanently moving camels south due to extreme heat and drought. The World Meteorological Organization notes North Africa is warming fastest, at 0.43°C per decade. Oxfam warns of another drought in the Horn of Africa, with water prices in Somalia rising over 2000%.