Bactrian camel

Camelus bactrianus

At the Zoo

Asian region, near Przewalski’s horses.

Fascinating Facts

SF Zoo’s Bactrian camel is domesticated, which is genetically distinct from wild Bactrian camels, who are Critically Endangered. It is estimated that camels were domesticated between 4,000 – 6,000 years ago and they were invaluable pack animals, able to carry up to 550 pounds for about 30 miles a day, and able to go for long periods without food or water. In addition, humans have used all parts of the camel, including the meat, milk, hair, hide and even its dung for fuel. Camels are ruminants with four-chambered stomachs and will regurgitate food later, similar to cattle. A way to remember which camel is which: the word Bactrian starts with two “humps” in the letter “B” and Dromedary starts with one “hump” in the letter “D”.

Physical Characteristics

Bactrian camels have two humps. They are 7.5 – 8 feet high, 7 – 11 feet long and can weigh between 650 and 1,500 pounds. Males are larger than females. They have long shaggy hair and their coat is dark to sandy brown. They have many adaptations to deal with their desert lifestyle, including long eyelashes, ears lined with hair, and nostrils that can be closed to help protect against desert sand and dust. They also have wide and tough feet to traverse sandy terrain. They have excellent eyesight and sense of smell. In addition, Bactrian camels are able to withstand extreme temperatures and altitudes.

Diet

They mainly eat grasses and vegetation, but in times of scarcity they will eat anything they can find.

Habitat

Wild Bactrian camels are found in deserts, grasslands and mountainous regions.

Range

Wild Bactrian camels are found in the Gobi and Taklamakan deserts of Mongolia and China https://www.iucnredlist.org/species/63543/12689285

Social Behavior

A dominant male will breed with the receptive females in the herd. Females will reproduce every two years, with gestation taking around 13 months, usually to one calf, but sometimes two. Calves are around 80 pounds at birth and can stand and walk with the herd within 24 hours of birth. Calves are weaned around two years and will stay with their mother until they reach sexual maturity, usually around 5 years of age. Males will be chased out of the family herd and will join a bachelor group. A typical herd is between 6 – 20 members and they are not territorial, although occasionally a male will fight to keep his dominant status from an outsider. Bactrian camels are diurnal, sleeping at night and foraging during the day, and are migratory within their range. They use pheromones and vocalizations to communicate. Under human care Bactrian camels can live up to 35 years.

Status In The Wild

IUCN – Critically Endangered*

Other

Threats to wild Bactrian camels include cross-breeding with domesticated camels, being hunted by humans, and predators such as wolves and leopards. Domesticated Bactrian camels are not endangered.

*for wild species Camelus ferus