Domestic Bactrian camels (or Camelus bactrianus) are large ungulates native to Central Asia. They have two humps and thick sandy-coloured wool coats, although they can also be dark brown or white. On average they are 2m tall at the shoulder with an extra 30cm of height added by their humps, and males are significantly larger than females.
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Camelus bactrianus
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bactrian-camel
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Animal Facts
The collective term for a group of Bactrian camels is a 'caravan'.
Camels have long eyelashes and nostrils that can fully close to protect themselves in sandstorms.
The Bactrian camel's two humps are made of fat and are built up during times of plentiful food, then shrink as they sustain the camel through times when food is sparse.
Bactrian camels are not fussy about what they eat; they can eat thorny, tough and bitter vegetation, carrion and will also eat tents, rope, clothes and other items when very hungry.
Bactrian camels were domesticated 4000 years ago in the steppes of Central Asia; they are farmed as pack animals and for their milk and wool.