Bactrian Camel
This friendly herbivore that inhabits the rocky deserts of East and Central Asia has two humps, unlike its “cousins” Dromedary. These humps act as fat reservoirs, providing sources of energy when it becomes scarce.
- Height 2,13m
- Weight 450 - 500Kg
- Longevity 50 years
- Diet Dried plants and herbs
- Habitat Deserts and steppes
- Reproduction 1 cup
For more info on classifications status visit:
www.iucnredlist.org
Morphology
The biggest characteristic of these Camels is that they have two humps. The hair of these animals varies in some shades of brown, covering the animal during cold weather and falls when the temperature increases. The lashes are very bulky and double. They can close their nostrils and lips tightly, protecting them from dust, sand and strong winds.
Behaviour
Bactrian Camels lives in areas whose temperature ranges from -29ºC to 38ºC. They live in groups of up to 30 individuals. Camels survive for several days without drinking water. When they have water available, they drink to replenish their needs, being able to drink 114 liters in just 10 minutes. The humps contain a large amount of accumulated fat, which Camels use when nutrients and food are scarce, to replenish the needs for their metabolism. Each hump can support up to 36kg of fat.
In zoological parks, camels always have hay available throughout the day.
Conservation
Although the species in Zoo Santo Inácio is the domestic Bactrian Camel, which is not threatened in Nature, it should be noted that the ancestral species is the wild Bactrian Camel which is currently considered Critically Endangered by IUCN.
Camels are commonly used for transportation in desert regions. Their ability to spend long periods of time without food or water also makes them ideal transport on long trips in the desert. Milk is typically fermented to produce kumis, a drink appreciated by natives of the Central Asian steppes. Camel hair is often used to make clothes, blankets and other items that contain fabrics.
