Domestic Bactrian camel
Common name: Domestic Bactrian camel
Scientific name: Camelus bactrianus
The domestic Bactrian camel is perfectly adapted to life in some of the world’s harshest environments. Recognisable by its two humps and thick, shaggy coat, it has lived alongside people in Central Asia for thousands of years, providing transport, milk, wool and companionship.
Despite their large size, Bactrian camels are incredibly resilient. They can withstand temperatures ranging from below -30°C in winter to over 40°C in summer. Their broad, padded feet help them walk across sand and rocky ground, while long eyelashes and nostrils that can close protect them from blowing dust and sand. When food is plentiful, fat is stored in their humps, providing an energy reserve during times when food is scarce.
Highly intelligent and curious, Bactrian camels are social animals that live in groups and communicate through a range of sounds and body language. They are herbivores, feeding on grasses, shrubs and other tough desert plants that many other animals cannot digest.
Fast Facts
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Status
Not Evaluated
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Size
1.8-2.3m at the hump
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Weight
300-1,000kg
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Gestation
Around 13 months
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Number of young
Usually one calf
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Lifespan
Up to 40 years
In the wild
Domestic Bactrian camels originate from the deserts, semi-deserts and steppes of Central Asia. They are well adapted to harsh, dry environments where temperatures can vary dramatically between the seasons. Today they are kept by people across parts of Mongolia, China and other areas of Central Asia, where they continue to play an important role in traditional livelihoods
Bactrian camels are herbivores and feed on grasses, shrubs, leaves and other hardy desert vegetation. They are able to browse plants that many other grazing animals avoid, helping them survive in environments where food can be scarce. Their tough mouths even allow them to eat thorny plants
Domestic Bactrian camels are social animals that often live in herds. Females usually give birth to a single calf after a gestation of around 13 months, with calves able to stand and walk shortly after birth. Their calm temperament and remarkable endurance have made them valuable working animals for thousands of years, transporting people and goods across some of the world’s most challenging landscapes.
Although the Domestic Bactrian camel is Not Evaluated by the IUCN because it is a domesticated species, it plays an important role in raising awareness of its wild relative, the Wild Bactrian camel (Camelus ferus), which is Critically Endangered. Fewer than 1,000 wild individuals remain in the deserts of Mongolia and China, where they face threats including habitat loss, mining, competition with livestock and illegal hunting.
