Arabian Bactrian Camels

Bactrian camels have two humps on their backs where they store fat. Arabian camels, called dromedaries have only one hump, but both these types of camels use their stored fat as energy and water when they are far away from food and a freshwater source. They can endure long-distance trips without water in very harsh desert conditions, and because their fat is stored only in their humps, they don't get too hot.

Their humps get soft and flabby when their fat stores run out. Bactrians rarely sweat, helping them conserve fluids for long periods of time. In winter, plants may yield enough moisture to sustain a camel

without water for several weeks. When camels do refill, however, they soak up water like a sponge. A very thirsty animal can drink 30 gallons (135 liters) of water in only 13 minutes.

In the Gobi Desert, Bactrians group together around mountain areas where snow and springs provide water in the winter. Bactrian camels live in Central and East Asia's rocky deserts where it gets very cold in winter and hot in the summer. Temperatures can be over 100 degrees F (38 degrees C) in summer and drop to -20 degrees F (-29 degrees C) in winter. Because they store fat only in their humps, they have developed special adaptations to help them to survive in such a harsh environment. They have a thick, shaggy coat that protects them in winter and sheds as seasons change and temperatures rise. This is called molting. Camel fur is used to make clothing. They are not as tall as dromedaries and are about 6.5 feet (2 meters) tall. Dromedaries have much longer legs. All camels have wide-toed hoofs with nails and big, flat footpads to keep them from sinking into snow or sand. Bactrians have rough feet for crossing rocky deserts of Asia. Camels move both legs on one side of the body forward at the same time, like giraffes and race horses. This is called pacing. They walk at about 3.5 mph (5.5 kph) and cannot run for long distances. Camels have long necks so they can reach high branches and so they can dip their heads to drink and graze without having to bend their legs. They chew the cud or ruminate their food the way cows do. Bactrians' nostrils close to block sand, and their bushy eyebrows and two rows of long eyelashes protect their eyes from blowing sand and ice.  The only truly wild camels that still exist are Bactrian camels. These herds survive in the Gobi Desert of Mongolia and China, but number less than 400. They are critically endangered in the wild. 

Fast Facts
The scientific name of the Bactrian camel is Camelus bactrianus.

They are mammals.

They are herbivores.
Bactrian camels can live up to 50 years in the wild.

They can weigh about 1,800 lbs (816 kg).

They have been used as pack animals, transportation, and clothing for 6,000 years.

Camels sometimes spit or kick when they are threatened.

 Baby camels are born with their eyes open and can run when only a few hours old.

They call their mothers with a "baa" like a lamb.

They can store 80 lbs (36 kg) of fat in their humps.