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What is a Bactrian Camel?

By SamK on January 06, 2024
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Bactrian Camel

Bactrian camel (Camelus bactrianus) is a large, even-toed ungulate native to the steppes of Central Asia. It is distinguished from the dromedary camel by having two humps on its back, in contrast to the single hump of the dromedary.

Bactrian camels are extremely resilient to harsh conditions, capable of enduring the extreme temperatures of desert environments, and are domesticated for use as pack animals and for their meat, milk, and wool. There's also a wild population known as the Wild Bactrian camel (Camelus ferus) which is considered a separate species and is critically endangered.

Classification of the Bactrian camel:

Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Mammalia
Order: Artiodactyla
Family: Camelidae
Genus: Camelus
Species: Camelus bactrianus

Bactrian camels play a crucial role in the lives of nomadic communities in Central Asia, providing essential resources for survival in desert and steppe environments.