Sudanese camel types and breeds

There are two main camel types in the Sudan: Pack and Riding camels. Pack camels are represented by Arab camel and Rashydi (or Zeidab) camel. The Arab camel is large, heavily built beast with potential for developing a large hump. It is bred in the Red Sea region by Beni Amir, Hdandawa and Amrar tribes; in Butana area by AL-Shukriya, Lahawin and Butaheen; in northern Kordofan by Kababish, Hawaweer and Al-Shanabla tribes and in northern Darfur by Meidob tribe. Although the Arab camel is bred by the above mentioned tribes it is found throughout the country whenever camels are called upon to pack work. Kababish camels have large head with narrow Roman nose, prominent eyes and large lips. The head is carried high on a very long neck. The Rashydi camel is a light pack camel found in the area between Tokar and Kassala. It is pinkish red in color, relatively short-legged, smaller, lighter and more graceful than Kababish camel.

The riding camels of the Sudan are restricted to northeast of the country between the Nile and Red Sea. Two strains are recognized: Anafi (also called Al-Jahani) and Bishari camels. The Anafi camel has a light long body, leggy with small hump. The head is small and fine with short brick ears and narrow face. The Bishari camel is bred by Beja tribes (Bishareen, Hdandawa and Amrar) and is generally stronger and studier than the Anafi. It has better conformation and is better general purpose mount than Anafi.