Camels are Eating Deadly Amounts of Plastic
Scientists have found large masses of plastic waste in camel autopsies.
The news of camel deaths caused by plastic waste is proof that the current state of environmental degradation has reached dystopian-like levels. Find out in this article exactly why these camels are eating plastic and what we can do to help them.
Why are camels eating plastic?
Much like most marine animals, Camels don't understand the difference between plastic and other foods.
For camels, anything that remotely resembles food is a viable option. Marcus Eriksen, director of research for the 5 Gyres Institute, states, "From the camel's perspective … if it's not sand, it's food".
The accumulated plastic clogs their stomachs, forming masses that have been found to weigh as much as 64 kilograms. These clumps, or polybezoars, kill 1% of dromedary camels in the United Arab Emirates.
The worst part is that as these camels' intestines become blocked by the plastic, they continue feeling full, stop eating, and die a slow and painful death by starvation.
Facts surrounding camel deaths by plastic
Here is some more information about the effects of the plastic epidemic on camels:
390,000 dromedary camels live in the United Arab Emirates.
Of 30,000 dead camels found by Wernery, veterinary microbiologist at the Central Veterinary Research Laboratory in Dubai, 300 of these camels had guts packed with plastic.
Scientists were able to confirm the deaths of these camels by finding their skeletons, which also had large masses of plastic trapped in their stomachs.
Researchers dubbed these plastic masses "polybezoars," which are different from the naturally occurring hair and plant fiber bezoars.
Plastic also leaches toxins and introduces bacteria that poison the one-humped mammals.
The polybezoars cause sepsis, a deadly infection in the camel's stomach.
Sepsis in these camels resulted from increased gut bacteria, dehydration, and malnutrition.
Because 1 percent of camel mortality is due to plastic, it has been confirmed that plastic pollution represents a dire concern for the future of camels.
It has also been found that rope is also a material that can be attributed to camel deaths caused by intestinal blockages.
PIC
Camels forage on trash that litter the desert surrounding Dubai. A new study suggests plastic kills 1 percent of camels in the United Arab Emirates.
ULRICH WERNERY
What will keep camels from eating plastic?
Banning plastic bags and other single-use plastics must be prioritized to protect camels and other wildlife. Plastic bags can easily travel for hundreds of miles in the wind, even if they were previously stored in a landfill or trash can.
Here are some solutions that can help reduce plastic waste and, in turn, help prevent plastic from entering camel's natural habitat:
Reduce Plastic Use:
Use reusable plastics to reduce single-use plastic.
Choose products that have minimal or zero plastic packaging.
Dispose of Plastic Properly:
Ensure plastic waste is disposed of properly by recycling or using designated waste disposal facilities.
Participate in community clean-up initiatives to remove plastic from natural habitats.
Educate Locals and Tourists:
Raise awareness about the dangers and threat of plastic pollution in areas where camels and other wildlife are present.
Encourage responsible waste disposal practices among locals and tourists.
Support Anti-Litter Campaigns:
Get involved in or support campaigns and initiatives that aim to reduce littering and promote proper waste management.
Organize Clean-Up Events:
Organize or participate in clean-up events in areas where camels are found. This can help remove existing plastic waste from their habitats.
Promote Sustainable Tourism:
Encourage tour operators and tourists to follow sustainable practices, such as not leaving litter and reducing single-use plastic consumption.
Advocate for Policy Changes:
Advocate for and support policies that address plastic pollution at local, regional, and national levels.
Use Biodegradable Alternatives:
Opt for biodegradable alternatives to plastic products whenever possible.
Support Conservation Organizations:
Contribute to or volunteer with organizations focusing on wildlife conservation and environmental protection.
Report Wildlife in Distress:
Contact local wildlife rescue organizations or authorities immediately if you encounter a camel or any other wildlife in distress due to plastic ingestion.
Engage with Local Communities:
Work with local communities to create awareness and implement these sustainable practices to protect the environment and wildlife.
Remember that protecting camels and other wildlife from plastic pollution is a collective effort. By adopting new and consistent sustainable practices and promoting awareness, we can contribute to a healthier environment for all living beings.
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Key Points
Much like most marine animals, Camels don't understand the difference between plastic and other foods.
390,000 dromedary camels live in the United Arab Emirates.
Of 30,000 dead camels that Wernery examined since 2008, 300 had guts packed with plastic.
Researchers dubbed these plastic masses "polybezoars" distinguishing them from naturally occurring hair and plant fiber bezoars.
Plastic can also leach toxins and introduce bacteria that poison the one-humped mammals,
Due to 1 percent of camel mortality is due to plastic, it has been confirmed that plastic pollution represents a dire concern for the future of camels.
