Animal Profiles
Mammals

Bactrian Camel

Camelus bactrianus

Living

Living individuals or members of this group exist today. This does not mean they are safe from extinction.

The domestic Bactrian camel is a two-humped camel associated with Central Asia. A heavy seasonal coat and stored fat help it cope with harsh conditions.

Camelus bactrianus (bactrian camel)

Christian Ursilva from Copenhagen, Denmark · CC BY-SA

At a glance

Location
Domestic Bactrian camels are kept in Asian drylands and steppe environments. Domestic herds should not be confused with the separate wild camel.
Habitat
Desert, Grassland
Diet
Herbivore
Food
Grasses and other dryland plants provide most food, including tough or thorny vegetation.

Classification

Common name
Bactrian Camel
Browse group
Mammals
Scientific name or taxon
Camelus bactrianus
Taxon rank
species
Order
Artiodactyla
Family
Camelidae
Genus
Camelus
Source classification
Mammalia

Taxonomy checked against GBIF. For breeds and hybrids, this describes the listed parent taxon.

Three things to know

  • Its humps hold fat rather than water.
  • It sheds its heavy coat seasonally.
  • Padded feet support travel over rough ground.

Habitat and range

Domestic Bactrian camels are kept in Asian drylands and steppe environments. Domestic herds should not be confused with the separate wild camel.

Appearance and adaptations

Two humps distinguish it from the dromedary. Thick hair protects against cold, while broad, cushioned feet support its weight.

Diet and behaviour

Grasses and other dryland plants provide most food, including tough or thorny vegetation. It browses and grazes in groups. The cited older ADW account combines wild and domestic animals, so its wild population range and status are not applied here.

Sources

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