Although the scan is not as clear as it could be, I still love this photo. The white of the inquisitive young camel contrasts beautifully with the red sand, brown rock cliffs and bluish sky. Other camels loiter in the background. The white camel’s two front legs are tethered by rope. This tether still allows the camel to walk but restricts its movement so it doesn’t far away from the owner or the other camels.

Wadi Rum in Jordan is one of the most amazing deserts in the world. Rock cliffs tower hundreds of metres above the richly coloured desert sand. The landscape varies widely between the odd oasis, plains and fascinating rock formations. Different people have lived in this area for thousands of years including the Nabateans and Lawrence of Arabia. Bedouin tribes currently reside there.

Single-humped Dromedary camels traditionally played a critical role on the Arabian Peninsula. Camels provided transport, milk, hair for cloth, and meat. Their ability to go for long periods of time in the harsh desert without drinking water gave them an advantage over horses and other animals. These days, the camels still play an important role at Wadi Rum but, with the introduction of the four wheel drive motor vehicle, they are not as essential as before. Other animals found at Wadi Rum include goats, sheep and the wild oryx.