Camelus bactrianus
Bactrian camel

Camelus bactrianus occurs throughout Asia north of the Himalayan massif.

(Sanderson, 1961) (Nowak, 1997)

Bactrian camels inhabit arid regions. They are found along rivers in the Siberian steppe during winter but disperse into the desert when snows melt in spring. Temperatures range from -29 degrees Celsius in the winter to 38 degrees Celsius in the summer.

(Crump, 1981) (Nowak, 1997)

The most noticeable features of C. bactrianus are their two humps. At the hump, average height is 213 cm (7 feet). A thick, shaggy, dark brown to beige coat covers the camel during cold weather and is shed when the temperature rises. Longer hair hangs from the neck and gives the appearance of a beard. Bushy eyebrows, a double row of eyelashes, ears lined with hair and the ability to close nostrils and lips tightly serve as protection from harsh, blowing winds and sand. Their tough, even-toed feet help them to cross the rocky deserts of Asia and travel well through snow or sand.

(Crump, 1981; Boitani and Bartali, 1982; Vaughan, 1972) (Nowak, 1997)

Dominant males defend groups of females from other males during breeding seasons. (Nowak, 1997)

Mating season occurs in the fall. Males during this time are often violent and may bite, spit, or attempt to sit on other male camels. The age of sexual maturity varies, but is usually reached at three to five years. Gestation lasts thirteen months, with most young being born from March through April. One or occasionally two calves are produced. Females can give birth to a new calf every other year. The baby calf is precocial, having the ability to stand at birth and walk only a few hours after. The young calf stays with its mother for three to five years, until it reaches sexual maturity. Wild camels sometimes breed with domesticated or feral camels as well.

(Crump, 1981; Boitani and Bartali, 1982; Morris, 1965; Sanderson, 1961) (Nowak, 1997)

Young bactrian camels are precocial, being able to stand and run soon after birth. They are nursed for about 1.5 years in the wild and are fully grown by 5 years of age. (Nowak, 1997)

Bactrian camels may live up to 50 years.

Wild bactrian camels are active mainly during the day and are generally found alone or in small groups of up to 30 animals. A population density of 5 camels per 100 square kilometers has been calculated for bactrian camels. They spend their time moving among grazing areas. (Nowak, 1997)

Domestic camels travel in caravans across the desert. An adult male acts as leader for a small group that may consist of six to twenty others. Constant speed must be maintained at all times while moving. To help ensure this tempo the camels move by pacing. Pacing consists of two legs on the same side of the body moving at once, creating a rolling motion. This shifts the weight from side to side; a passenger may find this movement very uncomfortable. Camels also have the capability to run and can do so at ten to twenty miles per hour.

(Carrington, 1963; Crump, 1981; Boitani and Bartali, 1982; Morris, 1965)

Camels are herbivores. They are able to eat plants that are dry, prickly, salty, and/or bitter, but prefer any kind of vegetation. When other nutrient sources are not available, these camels may feed on bones, other animals' skin, or different kinds of flesh. In more extreme conditions, they may eat rope, sandals, and even tents. Their ability to feed on a wide range of foods allows them to live in areas with sparse vegetation.

With tough mouths that can withstand sharp objects such as thorns, the digestion process begins. The first time food is swallowed it is not fully chewed. The partly masticated food (called cud) goes into the stomach and later is brought back up for further chewing.

Camels can go for several days without water. When water is available, they drink only to replace what is missing from their body. This amount can vary from nothing to 114 liters. Drinking the whole 114 liters of water takes only ten minutes. The camel also has the ability to quench its thirst with salty or brackish water. In the winter months, plants alone provide water.

A common misconception is that the camel's humps are for water storage. In reality, the humps contain a large amount of fat and are use for nourishment when food is scarce. This feature gives the camel the capability to go many days without eating. Each hump can hold up to 36 kg of fat. The hump decreases in size and become flabby as its contents are metabolized. Depletion of the hump is directly linked to the time between eating and the amount of energy expended. Thus, the size of the hump serves as an indication of C. bactrian's health, food supply and general well-being.

(Crump, 1981; Vaughan, 1972; Morris, 1965; Rice, 1901; Sanderson, 1961; McSpadden, 1947) (Nowak, 1997)

Close to 3,500 years ago people first tamed wild camels and domesticated them; now almost all are domestic. The original purpose of domestication was probably to use their size and strength. Camels carry packages long distances to market and are used as a form of transportation. By the age of one year, the camel can take voice cammands from their owner. Humans also use many of the camel's by-products, especially camel meat and milk. Fat from the humps is melted down and serves in cooking. Dung provides fuel for heating. Loose hair is used for making clothes, blankets, carpets, and tents. The tanned hide is used to make shoes, sandals, and other leather products. In some countries, camels are an indication of wealth.

(Crump, 1981; Rice, 1901)

Camels can have ill effects on humans. When very hungry, camels may eat people's possessions such as tents, sandals or blankets.

(Crump, 1981)

Bactrian camels were thought to be extinct in the wild until an expedition found some wild C. bactrianus in the Gobi desert in 1957. These wild groups are in the severe danger of going extinct and little is known about them. The estimated number of wild camels ranges from 400 to 700 animals in Mongolia and 200 in China. Compared to domestic camels, wild camels have smaller humps, smaller feet, shorter hair and a more slender body shape.

(Crump, 1981; Boitani and Bartali, 1982; Boorer, 1971; Morris, 1965) (Nowak, 1997)

The average life span in captivity ranges from twenty to thirty years.

In some countries camel fighting exerts a form of entertainment.

Camel races are a popular sport in Morocco. The camels go at fast paces similar to race horses.

(Morris, 1965; Rice, 1901; Sanderson, 1961; McSpadden, 1947)

Camels can swim (Philip Gee, personal communication http://www.austcamel.com.au ).