Bactrian camel

Camelus bactrianus

MAMMAL
Order Artiodactyla

Description
Length: 10 feet. Height: 7 feet. Weight: up to 1,500 pounds. Light- to dark-brown coat, short in summer with thin manes on chin, shoulders, hind legs and humps. Winter coat longer, thicker and darker.

Range
Mongolia and China; domesticated herds occur throughout Asia.

Status
Endangered. Former wide range of this species has been dramatically reduced due to competition with domestic herds, particularly for water. Wild herds in Mongolian parks are protected from domestic competition, and this species is protected by law from hunting in both Mongolia and China.

Habitat
Steppe grassland, mainly valleys and canyons in mountainous areas. A few wild herds exist in the Gobi Desert.

Niche
Herbivorous: prefers grasses, leaves and shrubs, but will eat thorns, dry vegetation and saltbush that other mammals avoid. Wild herds are stable, mixed groups of 3-30. Bachelor herds and solitary older males do occur.

Life History
Gestation 12-15 months, followed by single births. Young mature at 5 years. Life span 40 years.

Special Adaptations

  • Long eyelashes and ears lined with hair provide protection from blowing sand.
  • Nostrils can be closed to keep out blowing sand.
  • Snowshoe effect prevents sinking in sand as the body weight rests on sole pads with only the front ends of the hooves touching the ground.
  • Thick, calloused “knees” protect the joints when the animal lies down.
  • Long legs allow animal to travel great distances easily.
  • Thick fur and underwool provide warmth during cold desert nights and some insulation against daytime heat.
  • Fat stored in humps helps animal to survive long periods without food; metabolized fat produces water as a by product.