The Bactrian Camel (Camelus bactrianus) is a large, two-hump ungulate (hoofed) mammal in the Camelidae family of camels. It is also known as the Mongolian Camel.

The Bactrian Camel has a dark-brown to sandy-coloured body, a long, curved neck, two humps on its back, and long legs. The humps have long, woolly hair. It has a mane and a beard of long hair. It has small, rounded ears, and large eyes. It has bushy eyebrows and double-layered eyelashes to prevent sand getting in its eyes. It has two toes on each padded hoof.

 

The Bactrian Camel is the largest living camel. It grows to 2.3 metres (7.5 feet) tall.

It is native to Central Asia.

The Bactrian Camel prefers rocky mountains, flat deserts, and sand dunes. It can live in dry climates with limited water.

It is diurnal (active during the day). It is herbivorous, feeding on thorns and desert vegetation. It is also a ruminate, chewing its cud. Cud is regurgitated food (food that is chewed for the second time).

The Bactrian Camel is migratory and lives in small groups.

The female is pregnant for about 13 months before giving birth to one or two young, called calves. The Bactrian calf is precocial, which means that it can stand and run shortly after birth. It drinks its mother’s milk for about 18 months.

 

 

 

 

Location of photographs: Camel Park, Cyprus, and Tbilisi Zoo, Georgia

Photographer: Martina Nicolls

Martina Nicolls: SIMILAR BUT DIFFERENT IN THE ANIMAL KINGDOM