Bactrian camel
Distribution
Asia
Diet
Herbivore
Habitat
Steppes of Asia
Latin Name
Camelus bactrianus
IUCN conservation status
The only animal species in the world to feature two humps on its back.
Interesting informations
Able to Go Without Food for Long Periods of Time
Adapted to life in a desert environment, camels rely on the fat reserves accumulated in their two humps to survive in times of scarcity. They'll spend from 8 to 10 hours a day grazing on a wide variety of plants, including those neglected by other herbivores. They can drink up to 100 litres of water at a time.
Able to Adapt to the Desert's Great Temperature Variations
Camels are exposed to temperatures ranging from -30 degrees in winter to 38 degrees Celcius in summer. In winter, their thick, woolly coat insulates them from the cold. Their finer fleece in summer protects them from the sun's hot rays, like a light garment. Their large legs prevent them from sinking into the sand or snow.
Groups organized in harems
Bactrian camels live in small groups of about half a dozen individuals, usually consisting of a male, a few females and their offspring. When they move, they tend to walk in a single file. Like their llama cousins, camels that are attacked may spit out their stomach juices.
Fragile Populations in Fragmented Habitats
Competiting for grazing land with domestic herds and human activities put enormous pressure on these mammals in the wild. Despite Mongolia's in captivity breeding programs, their numbers continue to decline.
