Area of zoo
Orange zone
Enclosure status
Open
Population in the wild
Decreasing
IUCN status
Critically Endangered
Scientific name
Camelus bactrianus
Order
Cetartiodactyla
Type
Mammals
Family
Camelidae
Region
China and Mongolia
Habitat
Desert
What do domestic Bactrian camels look like?
Camels have broad feet to walk easily on desert sand. They also have long eyelashes and nostrils that can be closed to protect them from the sand. When there is plenty of food to eat, camels build up fat in their humps. Unlike their Middle Eastern cousins, they have two humps. Able to withstand incredible temperatures ranging from 40C to -30C, they grown a dense shaggy coat that they shed in the spring to keep cool.
Domestic Bactrian camel facts
- They differ from all other mammals in the shape of their red blood cells, which are oval instead of circular.
- Perfectly adapted to desert life, they can go for days at a time without drinking or eating. When they reach water they can take in as much as 57 litres to restore the normal amount of body fluid.
- They are the only land mammals that can drink salty or brackish water with no negative effects.
- They do have relatives in the wild, the only truly wild species of camel - the wild camel (Camelus ferus).
Domestic Bactrian camel habitat
Desert.
Where do domestic Bactrian camel live?
China and Mongolia.
How many humps does the domestic Bactrian camel have?
The domestic Bactrian camel has two humps.
See domestic Bactrian camels at London Zoo
What do domestic Bactrian camels eat?
Leaves, grasses, shrubs.
Where can I see a domestic Bactrian camel at London Zoo?
You can find our domestic Bactrian camel in the Orange zone.
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