Bactrian Camel
Bactrian Camel Facts
| Size | 5.2-5.9 feet (160-180 cm) (shoulder height) |
| Speed | Up to 40 mph (65 km/h) |
| Weight | 990-2,200 pounds (450-1,000 kg) |
| Lifespan | 30-50 years |
| Food | Plants, leaves, grasses |
| Predators | Wolves |
| Distribution | Central Asia |
| Habitat | Deserts, semi-deserts, steppes, plateaus, mountains |
| Order | Ungulates |
| Family | Camels |
| Scientific name | Camelus ferus, Camelus bactrianus |
| Characteristics | Largest camel species, has two hump |
Main Characteristics
The Bactrian camel is a large hoofed animal and belongs to the group of even-toed ungulates. It is famous for its two humps. Although it can survive for weeks without water, the humps do not serve as water reservoirs. Instead, they contain stored fat. Unfortunately, the Bactrian camel is endangered in the wild, with fewer than 950 individuals remaining.
"THE" Camel
When people think of camels, they often picture a large hoofed animal with two humps: the Bactrian camel! However, the term camel does not refer to a single species. It actually denotes a family of animals, which also includes the dromedary.
Names
The ability to go for weeks without water and travel long distances has earned the Bactrian camel (and the dromedary) the nickname "ship of the desert" . Officially, the Bactrian camel is also known as the two-humped camel, double humped camel or Mongolian camel. The name Bactrian comes from a region called Bactria, located in present-day Afghanistan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan.
Species
There are wild Bactrian camels living freely and domesticated Bactrian camels kept as livestock. The two species differ in their genetic makeup and appearance. Only 950 individuals of the wild species remain, while there are 2.5 million domesticated ones.
Distribution and Habitat
Wild Bactrian camels now only exist in protected nature reserves in Central Asia: in the Gobi Desert, Altun Shan, Aksai Annanba, Dunhuang, Wanya Idun, and Lop Nur. Their natural habitat consists of areas with low rainfall and sparse vegetation: deserts, semi-deserts, steppes, plateaus, and dry mountainous regions. They can thrive in both icy temperatures of -22 degrees Fahrenheit (-30 degrees Celsius) and scorching heat of 122 degrees Fahrenheit (50 degrees Celsius).
Way of Life
Bactrian camels are diurnal. They form herds consisting of 6-20 animals. They are very social and take great care of their young.
Body Structure and Appearance
Size and Weight
Bactrian camels have a head-to-body length of 7.3-11.4 feet (225-350 cm), a shoulder height of 5.2-5.9 feet (160-180 cm), and measure up to 7.5-8.2 feet (230-250 cm) at the top of their humps. Their tails are 14-22 inches (35-55 cm) long. They weigh 990-2,200 pounds (450-1,000 kg), with males being larger and heavier. On average, males weigh around 1,300 pounds (600 kg), while females weigh only 990 pounds (450 kg).
Winter Coat
Bactrian camels have a thick winter coat. In spring, it sheds in large clumps, making them look quite ragged. The wild species has thin fur, while the domesticated ones have dense, woolly coats.
Humps
Bactrian camels have two humps. They serve as two large storage compartments, but not for water, rather for fat. Each hump can store 33-44 pounds (15-20 kg) of fat. When a Bactrian camel is well-fed, the humps stand upright and are well-filled. If they droop and sway, it means their reserves are empty – and the camel urgently needs food. Wild Bactrian camels have slightly smaller and more conical humps.
Calluses
Like all camels, Bactrian camels have large, thick, callus-like pads under their hooves. Only the toes of the hooves stick out from the cushion. The pads protect against hot sand, sharp stones, and rocks, provide firm footing, and prevent sinking into the sand. Their splayed toes also help them avoid sinking. Interestingly, they have calluses not only under their hooves but also on their knees. This prevents injuries when they kneel down and get back up.
Bactrian Camel vs. Dromedary – What’s the Difference?
The most significant and obvious difference between the two is the number of humps. Bactrian camels have two humps, while dromedaries have only one. This is for a good reason: Bactrian camels live in much harsher conditions and therefore require more fat reserves. You can learn more in our article "Camel or Dromedary – What’s the Difference?"
Adaptation to Habitat
Whether it's icy cold or scorching hot, Bactrian camels are perfectly adapted to harsh, dry environments. Here are a few physical features that help them survive:
- Nose can close – keeps dirt and sand away
- Hair on the ears – keeps dirt and sand away
- Split upper lip - aids in graizing
- Long eyelashes – keep sand away
- Large eyebrows – protect against the glaring sun
- Hair on the lips – protect the skin from thorny bushes
- Winter coat – keeps warm in winter at -22 degrees Fahrenheit (-30 degrees Celsius)
- Two humps – store fat reserves for emergencies
- Splayed hooves – prevent sinking into the sand
Diet
Bactrian camels are primarily herbivores – like all camels. They prefer to eat feather grass as well as the leaves of tamarind and saxaul trees. However, they will eat any plants they find, whether dry, thorny, salty, bitter, or even toxic. If there’s nothing else available, they will also consume carrion. It may sound like a joke, but in desperate times, they will even eat tents, clothing, and shoes (made from natural materials). The food is first chewed roughly, then goes into the rumen, and is chewed a second time – similar to cows.
Behavior
Migratory Patterns
Bactrian camels travel daily for 18-25 miles (30-40 km) in search of food and water.
Spitting
Like all camels, the Bactrian camel can spit. However, be warned: the spit is not saliva, but undigested food from the stomach.
Are Bactrian Camels Dangerous?
Bactrian camels are considered peaceful and friendly. Wild camels that are not accustomed to humans tend to be shy and will run away.
Senses and Abilities
Senses
Bactrian camels have an excellent sense of smell. It is their most important sense. They can also see and hear very well.
Drinking Water – 40 gallons (150 liters) in 10 minutes
Bactrian camels can survive for weeks without water, but only if they can obtain enough moisture from plants. When they are thirsty, they can drink an enormous amount of water in a very short time. They can consume up to 40 gallons (150 liters) of water at once – and do so within 10 minutes. Typically, they “refuel” with about 16 gallons (60 liters) at a time.
Unique Blood Cells
Like all camels, Bactrian camels have unique blood cells. Typically, these cells are round in mammals. However, in their case, they are oval, or egg-shaped. This special shape allows the blood cells to expand more quickly and easily. This is crucial when the animals need to drink a lot at once and quickly – otherwise, the blood cells would burst due to the pressure.
Speed
Despite their large and heavy appearance, you might not expect it, but Bactrian camels can reach speeds of up to 40 mph (65 km/h). They only do this when fleeing from a predator. Otherwise, they are much slower, often plodding along at 25 mph (40 km/h). By the way, Bactrian camels have a unique, energy-saving gait known as the pacing gait. Both legs on one side move simultaneously, causing them to sway slightly back and forth.
Body Temperature
The body temperature of Bactrian camels ranges from 93.2 to 107.6 degrees Fahrenheit (34-42 degrees Celsisus), allowing them to adapt to their environment and conserve energy. For instance, they only start to sweat when their body temperature reaches 105.8 degrees Fahrenheit (41 degrees). This would be considered dangerously high fever for us humans.
Swimming
Who would have thought: Bactrian camels can swim very well despite their heavy, large bodies.
Life Expectancy
Bactrian camels can live up to 50 years in the wild. However, due to harsh living conditions, they typically do not live longer than 30 years.
Enemies and Threats
Natural Enemies
Bactrian camels have no natural enemies except for wolves.
Humans
Keeping as Livestock
Bactrian camels are kept for their wool, milk, meat, and leather. Even their dung is utilized – as fuel. Additionally, they are used as pack animals. Among nomads, these animals are usually well cared for, as they are more valuable alive than dead. However, in factory farming, the animals do not fare well. They often suffer from thirst and hunger and are forced to carry excessively heavy loads. Mothers are separated from their young early to obtain the milk meant for the calf. They often suffer for tourists as well: too many riders and poor saddlery cause pressure sores, injuries, and joint problems – and stress.
Reproduction
Mating and Birth
The mating season for Bactrian camels occurs during the winter months from January to March. After a gestation period of 12-14 months, a calf is born, typically in March or April. At birth, a calf already weighs 66-88 pounds (30-40 kg). It can stand and walk within a few hours. Initially, it has no humps, as those develop over time. The calf is nursed by its mother for the first 18 months and remains closely bonded with her for a total of 3-4 years. Siblings and relatives often lovingly assist in raising the young.
Abandoned Calves
Sometimes, a mother may reject her calf or may not accept an orphan. In Mongolia, nomads have a touching ritual for this: they play a special tune on a horsehead fiddle for the mother until she weeps and accepts the calf. Unfortunately, there are fewer and fewer people who know how to play this music.
Grief
Bactrian camels are very sensitive and emotional animals. When they lose a calf, they mourn for months.
Fun Facts
Chewbacca's Voice
Chewbacca, the shaggy Wookiee from the "Star Wars" films, doesn't speak but makes a lot of funny sounds. They sound just like those of Bactrian camels!
The Bactrian Camel Is Related To:
- Dromedary
Animals in the Same Biome:
Sources:
- „Camels“ (https://ielc.libguides.com)
- "Camelus bactrianus“ (https://animaldiversity.org)
- „Coaxing ritual for camels“ (https://ich.unesco.org)
