# Domestic Bactrian Camel (*Camelus bactrianus*) The Domestic Bactrian Camel is a special animal with two humps on its back! They are strong and can carry heavy loads across deserts and mountains, making them very helpful to people. - **Category:** [Mammals](https://www.snappit.app/explore/categories/mammal) - **Rarity:** Common - **Danger:** 2/5 · Low - **Habitat:** Desert and mountainous areas - **Also known as:** Bactrian Camel, Two-humped Camel ![Domestic Bactrian Camel](https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=Special:Redirect/file/2011_Trampeltier_1528.JPG&width=800) Photo: J. Patrick Fischer, CC BY-SA 3.0 · [Wikimedia Commons](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:2011_Trampeltier_1528.JPG) ## Appearance The Domestic Bactrian Camel has two distinct humps on its back and a thick, shaggy brown coat. Its long, curved neck and sturdy legs help it navigate harsh terrain, making it easily distinguishable from its one-humped cousin. ## Taxonomy - **Kingdom:** Animalia - **Phylum:** Chordata - **Class:** Mammalia - **Order:** Artiodactyla - **Family:** Camelidae - **Genus:** Camelus ## Interesting facts - A camel's humps are made of fat, not water! - Baby camels are called calves and can stand soon after birth! - Their broad feet spread weight, stopping them from sinking in sand. - They can change their body temperature to save water. ## Special abilities - **Desert Endurance:** Domestic Bactrian Camels can survive long periods without water and food because they store fat in their humps, providing energy and water when needed. - **Sandstorm Shield:** Domestic Bactrian Camels have double rows of eyelashes and sealable nostrils that help them protect their eyes and lungs from sandstorms. - **Extreme Temperature Adaptor:** Domestic Bactrian Camels have thick fur to keep warm in winter and shed it in summer, helping them adapt to extreme temperature changes. - **Heavy Haulers:** Domestic Bactrian Camels can carry immense loads because of their strong legs and broad, padded feet, helping them transport goods. ## Measurements & details - **Length:** 220-350 cm - **Weight:** 450-1000 kg - **Lifespan:** 30-50 years - **Speed:** 65 km/h - **Litter Size:** 1-2 - **Gestation:** 360-440 days ## Diet & Feeding These hardy animals are herbivores that graze on tough desert plants and shrubs. - **Primary Foods:** tough grasses, shrubs, thorny plants, saltbush, dry leaves, twigs - **Foraging Method:** Foraging ## Ecological connections - **Eats:** Common Saltwort (*Salsola kali*) — One of many tough plants it grazes on. - **Eats:** Mongolian Saxaul (*Calligonum mongolicum*) — Its diet includes this hardy desert shrub. - **Parasitizes:** Camel stomach worm (*Camelostrongylus mentulatus*) — Can host this internal parasite. ## Traits - [Furry](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/furry): Furry describes animals possessing a dense covering of soft hair or fur. - [Social](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/social): Social animals live in organized groups, cooperating for survival benefits such as foraging, defense, and raising offspring. - [Herbivorous](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/herbivorous): This trait characterizes organisms whose diet consists entirely or primarily of plant material. - [Desert](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/desert): Desert habitats are arid regions characterized by extremely low precipitation and often extreme temperatures, supporting specialized flora and fauna. - [Mountain](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/mountain): This habitat trait identifies species found in mountainous regions, characterized by high elevation, steep slopes, and varying climate zones. - [Domesticated](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/domesticated): Domesticated refers to species that have been selectively bred and tamed by humans for specific purposes. - [Longevous](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/longevous): This trait characterizes organisms with an exceptionally long lifespan compared to others of their kind. - [Diurnal](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/diurnal): Diurnal animals are primarily active during daylight hours, typically resting or sleeping at night. - [Speedster](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/speedster): This trait identifies organisms that exhibit exceptional swiftness in movement for hunting, escape, or travel. ## Collections - [Mammals](https://www.snappit.app/explore/collections/mammals) ## Safety **Danger:** 2/5 · Low Always watch from a safe distance and never try to touch a camel without an adult's help. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### How to identify Domestic Bactrian Camel? Compare ears, muzzle, tail, feet and coat markings. Size is hard to judge without something nearby for scale, and young mammals may not have adult coloring yet. Mammal Identifier: upload a photo and compare the visible details. ### How long is Domestic Bactrian Camel? 220-350 cm ### How much does Domestic Bactrian Camel weigh? 450-1000 kg ### How long does Domestic Bactrian Camel live? 30-50 years ### How fast can Domestic Bactrian Camel move? 65 km/h ### What does Domestic Bactrian Camel eat? These hardy animals are herbivores that graze on tough desert plants and shrubs. ### Where is Domestic Bactrian Camel usually found? Desert and mountainous areas ### How does Domestic Bactrian Camel hunt? Foraging ## Where to spot - [Alaska Zoo](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/alaska-zoo) — Alaska, US · Zoo - [Lupa Zoo](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/lupa-zoo) — Massachusetts, US · Zoo - [Roger Williams Park Zoo](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/roger-williams-park-zoo) — Rhode Island, US · Zoo - [Dakota Zoo](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/dakota-zoo) — North Dakota, US · Zoo - [Red River Zoo](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/red-river-zoo) — North Dakota, US · Zoo - [The Wilds](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/the-wilds) — Ohio, US · Zoo [View all places to see Domestic Bactrian Camel](https://www.snappit.app/guides/where-to-see/domestic-bactrian-camel) ## More Mammals - [Eastern Fox Squirrel](https://www.snappit.app/explore/eastern-fox-squirrel) (*Sciurus niger*) - [Eastern Cottontail](https://www.snappit.app/explore/eastern-cottontail) (*Sylvilagus floridanus*) - [Eastern Chipmunk](https://www.snappit.app/explore/eastern-chipmunk) (*Tamias striatus*) - [California Ground Squirrel](https://www.snappit.app/explore/california-ground-squirrel) (*Otospermophilus beecheyi*) --- Source: [Domestic Bactrian Camel: Facts & Places to See — Snappit](https://www.snappit.app/explore/domestic-bactrian-camel)