Zoogeographical approach of the subspecific differenciation of the one-humped carnet Camelus dromedarius Linné, 1766 (Mammalia : Camelidae)

Abstract

Six morphological and biological characteristics and the habitat, use and geographical distribution of the 48 main breeds of the one-humped camel have been tabulated, using bibliographic data coded in an amount of 25 steps. Local particularities of these 48 breeds are brought out in 9 regions and subregions of the distribution area of the dromedary in Africa and Asia. A relationship matrix, dealing with 36 breeds for which available data are fairly complete, provides a classification of the one-humped camel into 3 groups and 8 subgroups; animal size is the most discriminant criteria in this analysis. A comparison of the data about geographic distribution of the breeds and those on their relationships allows to map the most likely ways of its settlement throughout the whole distribution area. Results are discussed and the interest, for development and conservation purposes, of an accurate typology of the breeds, and of a data bank on the Camelids, is emphasized.