Camel Herding in a Changing World: Managing Growth, Mobility and Risk Across Borders

In many regions of the world, especially in the Middle East, North Africa, and parts of Asia, camels are more than animals, they are a symbol of resilience and survival.

For centuries, they have played a central role in culture, economy, and food security. But today, the rising camel population, evolving land use, and increasing climate stress are giving rise to new environmental and socio-economic challenges. As herds grow and cross borders, the need for modern, scalable solutions has never been more urgent.

Satellite-based monitoring technologies, such as those used in CLS’ dedicated solution, now offer a powerful response, enabling real-time tracking, risk anticipation, and informed decision-making across vast, hard-to-reach regions. This article explains why it is important to act now and how data can help manage camel herding in a changing world in a smart and sustainable way.

A Resilient Animal Facing New Pressures

Camels are remarkably adapted to desert life. They survive in arid zones, travel long distances without water, and provide meat, milk, and labor to millions of people. But in the 21st century, these traditional animals are at the center of a modern dilemma. Camel herds are becoming larger. Demand for camel meat, milk, and products is increasing, and herders are also moving more often and over longer distances.

Without good planning, camel movements may cause overgrazing, spread diseases, or bring herders into conflict with others who use the same land. The situation becomes even more complex when herds cross national borders.

The Numbers: 60 Million Camels by 2040

The global camel population is expanding rapidly. According to projections, the number of camels could reach 60 million by 2040, up from an estimated 35 million today. This growth is happening for many reasons such as expanding markets for camel milk and meat, and camels are often more suitable than other animals in areas affected by climate change.

But more camels also mean more pressure on land and water. This makes camel herding in a changing world more complex, requiring better tools to balance economic growth with environmental protection.

Cross-Border Dynamics: Movement Without Limits

Camel herding often follows traditional routes. In many places, herders still move with the seasons to find fresh water and grass for their animals. These movements often cross national borders. In some regions, there are few rules or systems in place to guide or monitor these journeys.

This lack of coordination can cause problems. Without shared policies, countries may struggle to manage animal health, avoid land conflicts, or protect natural resources. Herders may face legal difficulties or challenges accessing services. At the same time, authorities may not know where large herds are moving or what risks they bring.

Environmental Impact: A Fragile Balance

As the number of camels increases and they move across wider areas, desert ecosystems are coming under pressure. In many places, oases are being damaged because too many camels gather in the same area. Their movement and grazing can destroy the plants and compact the soil. In dry regions where grass and plants grow very slowly, overgrazing by camels is making the problem worse. When too much vegetation is lost, the land begins to turn into desert which also affects local wildlife. In protected or sensitive areas, some species may disappear because their habitat is no longer safe or suitable.

These environmental changes often happen slowly and across large regions. Because of this, it is difficult for governments and organisations to see the full picture in real time. As a result, actions to protect the land often come too late. Monitoring systems that provide early warnings are needed to better protect the environment.

Public Safety and Road Traffic Risks

As camel herding expands and herds move across wider regions, road safety has become a growing concern. In many countries, camels often cross highways or rural roads, especially at night when visibility is low.

Due to their size and height, collisions with camels can cause severe damage to vehicles and serious injuries or fatalities for drivers and passengers.

These incidents are particularly dangerous in desert regions where roads cut through open rangeland and are not always fenced or monitored. Without proper tracking and alerts, camels may wander into traffic zones unexpectedly.

Solutions such as CLS’ herd monitoring system can reduce these risks by providing real-time location data and geofencing alerts, helping authorities and herders prevent accidents and improve public safety.

Why Satellite-Based Monitoring?

In many camel herding regions, the land is vast, remote, and difficult to access. Traditional tools are not enough to follow herds or understand the condition of the land. Satellite-based technologies offer a strong solution to this problem.

With satellite collars, camels can be tracked across any distance — even across borders. This allows herders, governments, and NGOs to know exactly where the animals are. It also helps improve safety, protect the environment, and plan land use more effectively.

Real-time tracking shows herd movement as it happens. Virtual boundaries, or geofences, can be created to avoid protected areas or dangerous zones. If animals enter restricted zones, alerts are sent immediately.

Satellites can also collect information about pasture quality, water availability, and vegetation. This helps predict risks like drought, overgrazing, or resource shortages before they happen. With this information, herders and decision-makers can take action early, saving time, money, and resources.

From Tradition to Technology: The Time for Action Is Now

Camels are part of the cultural heritage in many regions. They are also part of the future, but only if their growth and movements are managed wisely. Today’s challenges cannot be solved with traditional tools alone.

Satellite-based monitoring brings new power to herders, communities, and governments. It allows them to track animals across borders, protect nature, and respond to risks early. As camel populations grow and land becomes more fragile, using data to make better decisions is no longer an option, it is a necessity.

Now is the time to connect tradition with technology and make camel herding in a changing world more resilient, informed and sustainable.