Bactrian Camel Facts and Information
Camelus bactrianus
Introduction to Bactrian Camel
The Bactrian Camel is a large animal and one that is often confused with other Camel species. This particular one has two humps so that helps to reduce the confusion about which group it belongs in. This Camel is one that the Egyptians relied on for transportation and to help them with hauling goods. They are believed to be the first to domesticate them.
Bactrian Camel Description
The Bactrian Camel ranges in colors of brown from light tan to a very dark brown. They have long hair that is thin and protects them from the hot sun of the desert. They don’t sweat which accounts for why they can go for weeks at a time without consuming any water. It also explains why they can continue to move for so long in the hot weather that often drains people and other animals of their energy.
| Class | Mammalia |
| Order | Artiodactyla |
| Family | Camelidae |
| Genus | Camelus |
| Conservation status | Critically Endangered |
Sometimes you will see the Bactrian Camel with floppy and flabby humps. That means that they may be in need of water. When they drink then those humps will go back up. Water isn’t stored in the humps though but fat reserves.
Bactrian Camel Distribution
The Bactrian Camel is native to areas around Asia. Those locations include the Gobi Desert and Taklimakan Desert. A small number of them have been identified around Mangystau Providence. There are about 1.5 million of them in the world today. Almost all of them are domesticated.
About 800 of them remain in the wild in China. However, they are considered to be Critically Endangered at this point in time. Those that are in captivity in zoos seem to do very well in such an environment. This animal does very well in the hot regions.
Bactrian Camel Behavior
The Bactrian Camel are very intelligent and they can be domesticated with ease. However, they all have their own personalities so they can be stubborn and even aggressive from time to time. They may spit, kick, or refuse to move. They are social animals and enjoy being in groups.
Bactrian Camel Feeding
Just about any types of vegetation found in the desert is good for the Bactrian Camel. They don’t consume very much from one location though. They will move on and that helps to result in that plant life growing back. They can get food from the ground, bushes, and high up trees due to their size. They also have a body that allows them to consume the thorny Acacia which other animals have to bypass out there.
They tend to forage for hours in the morning and the evening. Those that have been domesticated will consume hay and grains. There could be supplements added to help reduce the risk of health problems. They can consume both dirty and clean water. They can also drink saltwater so this enables them to do well in a variety of conditions.
Bactrian Camel Reproduction
The Bactrian Camel is ready to mate when they are about 3 to 5 years of age. However, younger males often can’t win over the stronger and older males. As a result they may not mate until they are much older. The female will carry the young in her body for about 13 months. She will give birth standing up. The young will stay with the mother until it reaches sexual maturity.
They can live to be up to 50 years of age. However, those that are overworked may have a shorter life span. In many areas they do their best to give the Bactrian Camel time to rest so that it won’t be losing its overall health and vitality. They also don’t make pregnant females carry people or cargo.
