* Threatened or Endangered
Bactrian Camel *
: Camelus bactrianus
: Mammal
: In central Asia, ranging from rocky mountain massifs to flat arid desert, stony plains, and sand dunes.
: Primarily herbivores and will eat a variety of plants.
: Up to 7 feet tall and 2,200 lbs.
: Critically Endangered
The Bactrian camel was domesticated somewhere between 4,000 and 6,000 years ago and were used to carry heavy loads across long distances. This species is very hardy and can endure very cold weather, drought, and high altitude. Bactrian camels store fat in their two humps, which can later be used for energy. They have been known to go months at a time without drinking water but when they do drink, they will drink up to 26 gallons in one sitting.
There is a healthy population of domestic Bactrian camels, which is a completely different species than the critically endangered wild Bactrian camel.