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Bactrian Camel
Bactrian Camel
Mammal. The Bactrian camel has two humps that hold fat, not water, to provide energy during the winter months. They can go for days without drinking, conserving water in their body cells and stomach. Living in areas that are mostly grasslands, this camel can run as fast as a horse. A pillow-like callus under the chest allows them to rest comfortably in the hot sand. Their eyes are protected by long eyelashes and very thin eyelids, allowing the camel to find its way in a desert storm. Small, hairy ears keep out flying sand. They can close their nostrils completely or leave only a small opening to breathe.
Scientific Name Lifespan
Camelus bactrianus 35-40 years
Diet
Herbivore. Shrubs, grasses. They prefer plants that are dry, thorny, salty or bitter, and they can drink brackish (somewhat salty) water with no negative effects.
Predators and Threats
Humans.
Habitat
Arid plains and hills where water sources are few and vegetation is sparse; three small areas in Mongolia and China, Afghanistan, Iran and Turkey; about 2.5 million domestic Bactrian camels live in Central Asia.