Chester Zoo 

Bactrian Camel

This is a two humped camel, with a long, curved neck, long legs and light coloured coat. The wild species tends to be paler than domestic camels and is adapted for life in the desert climate. It has extremely long eyelashes, narrow nostrils and a hairy lining in the ears to help protect it against the effects of sand storms. It can close its eyes tight to prevent sand from getting in. It also has feet which are adapted for walking on sand, with connected toes and an undivided sole which can be planted down more firmly with each step. The Bactrian Camel’s coat grows thicker and longer in winter and the excess fur is shed in summer.

What they eat

Foliage, shrubs, plants.

How long they live

About 40 years.

Biology

Wild Bactrian Camels live in migratory herds which travel far distances searching for food and water. The herds can number up to 100 individuals in the breeding season, called a rut. Otherwise they gather in groups of up to 30, each group being led by a dominant male. Females usually give birth to a single offspring after a pregnancy lasting between a year and 14 months. The young are most often born in early spring. By adjusting their body metabolism to suit differing climates adults can survive long periods without water, but they are also capable of drinking from 50 to 100 litres in one sitting to replenish supplies.

Did you know?

These camels are one of the world’s most hardy animals, able to survive both extremes of temperature, from the scorching desert heat of Iran to below zero winters in Tibet.