grazers including several harsh pest weeds they help eliminate flora which may halt scrub growth or be fatal to other desert wildlife. as herbivores their presence in the ecosystem also means more food for predators and scavengers. but also human life in the desert would be unimaginable without the camels. domesticated over 3500 years ago camels have traditionally been a means of transporting goods with 2 chose and leathery pads under their hooves camels are able to move without sinking into sand at speeds of up to 60 kilometers per hour desert civilisations rely on camels for their meat milk and fur camel milk doesn't curdle and has a higher content of vitamin c. fat and protein than cow's milk it's an important nutrient source the camel's hump