Bactrian Camel

DISTRIBUTION AND HABITAT

Central Asia. Steppes, semi-deserts, deserts, mountainous areas. Wild camels live in the Gobi desert.

BEHAVIOUR

Bactrian camels are diurnal, sleeping in the open at night and foraging for food during the day. Camel has a remarkable ability to survive for long periods (months!) without any water. Can drink up to 120 liters of water at a time.

DIET

Bactrian camel primarily herbivorous. Wild camels eat mainly tamarisks, wild garlic and halophytes. The humps store nutrients in the form of fat, which can be recycled into energy and metabolic water, necessary for life in the harsh desert conditions.

REPRODUCTION

Gestation lasts from 12 to 14 months. Usually 1 cub is born and drinks breast milk all year round. Sexual maturity is reached after 3 years of age. Life expectancy is 30-50 years.

GOOD TO KNOW

To keep moisture in their body, camel does not sweat very much, and also has very concentrated urine. Camel tolerates large temperature fluctuations well.
When moving faster than a walking speed, camel pace, by stepping forwards with both legs on the same side.

• Latin name: Camelus bactrianus
• IUCN –Red List – CR – critically endangered