Camels can close their nostrils during sandstorms.

Humans may pinch their nostrils when there’s a bad smell or to avoid water going up their nose when diving into the pool. But camels have an intrinsic ability to shut their noses using just the muscles in their nasal passages, which comes in handy to keep sand, dust, and other debris from shooting up their snouts during sandstorms and other perilous elemental circumstances.

This ability is found in dromedary camels of Africa and the Middle East as well as Bactrian camels of the central Asian steppes. The creatures simply contract their nasal muscles to form an impenetrable seal that keeps their airwaves clear. In addition to keeping debris out, a camel’s nose also works to keep moisture in: The mucus-coated membrane functions like a dehumidifier, absorbing moisture when camels exhale and ensuring they retain essential moisture amid arid conditions.