Bactrian camel Facts

Bactrian camel Facts
Bactrian camel is a species of large ungulate that belongs to the camel family. It originates from steppes, rocky deserts and stony plains of Central Asia. Bactrian camel has been domesticated 2500 years BC. Ever since that time, it is used for transportation of heavy loads in areas with harsh, desert climate. Besides in the captivity, Bactrian camels can be also found in the wild, in Gobi desert (Mongolia and China). Due to low number of remaining animals in the wild (less than 1000), Bactrian camel is classified as critically endangered.
Interesting Bactrian camel Facts:
Bactrian camel can reach 7 feet in height, 11 feet in length and 660 to 2200 pounds of weight.
Bactrian camel has long, triangular face and big, flat footpads which facilitate movement across rough, rocky terrains and sand. Its bushy eyebrows, dense, long eyelashes and sealable nostrils keep eyes and nose "safe" from the sand during the sandstorms.
Bactrian camel has dark brown or yellowish-beige fur. Thick, shaggy winter coat is replaced with sleek coat during the spring to prevent overheating during the summer.
Bactrian camel has two humps on its back, designed to store fat that can be converted into water and used as a source of energy when needed.
Bactrian camel does not sweat to prevent loss of body water. It absorbs moisture from the plants and eats snow during the winter to obtain water.
Bactrian camel can survive without water for months. When water finally becomes available, thirsty Bactrian camel will ingest 135 liters of water in less than 15 minutes.
Bactrian camel is active during the day (diurnal). It sleeps in the open during the night.
Bactrian camel has excellent sense of sight and smell which facilitate detection of water and food.
Bactrian camel is a herbivore. It eats leaves and seed of various desert plants, as well as thorny, dry, bitter or salty plants that other herbivores avoid.
When it walks, Bactrian camel moves both legs from one side of the body at the same time (this is called pacing). It usually walks slowly but it can accelerate to the speed of 40 miles per hour when it detects danger. Bactrian camel is also very good swimmer.
Natural enemies of Bactrian camels are grey wolves.
Bactrian camel lives and travels in groups of 6 to 20 animals (sometimes of up to 30). Dominant male is the leader of the group.
Mating season of Bactrian camel takes place during the autumn.
Pregnancy lasts 12 to 14 months and ends with one or rarely two calves. Baby weighs 79 pounds, lacks humps on the back and it can run shortly after birth. Bactrian camel reaches sexual maturity at the age of 3 to 5 years.
Bactrian camel can survive up to 50 years in the wild and 20 to 40 years is the captivity.


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