Bactrian Camel

The Bactrian camel (or Camelus bactrianus) is a large ungulate native to Central Asia. It is also known as the Mongolian camel, two-humped camel or double humped camel. It is closely related to the wild Bactrian camel (C. ferus), but both share a common ancestor. The (domesticated) Bactrian camel has two humps and thick sandy-coloured wool coats, although it can also be dark brown or white. Shoulder height ranges from 1.6m to 1.8m tall, and total height including the humps may reach up to 2.3m tall. Bactrian camels weigh between 300kg and 1,000kg. Males may be up to 20% larger than females, and are also heavier, at an average of 600kg compared to 480kg.

The Bactrian camel is a domesticated species with a large and stable population, and therefore not threatened. However, the related wild Bactrian camel is Critically Endangered and nearing extinction. In captivity, the domesticated Bactrian camel acts as an ambassador species to raise awareness and funds and presents research opportunity that may benefit the wild species’ survival. Wild Bactrian camels survive only in small fragmented herds across the Gobi desert. They are threatened by habitat loss, poaching, poisoning, disturbance from mining and infrastructure projects, and hybridisation with feral domesticated Bactrian camels. These pressures are worsened by low numbers and the remoteness of its range, which makes monitoring and rapid response difficult. Conservation focuses strongly on habitat protection and anti-poaching patrols. Additionally, a captive-breeding facility is providing population insurance. Some organisations also focus on community outreach to reduce hybridisation risks, and campaign to reduce infrastructure disturbance in key landscapes.