The Bactrian Camel (Camelus bactrianus) is a large even-toed ungulate native to the steppes of eastern Asia. It has two humps on its back, in contrast to the dromedary camel which has one and are rugged cold-climate camels. Bactrain Camels have two coats, the warm inner coat of down and a rough outer coat which is long and hairy. Find out more!

Bactrain Camels are herbivores, eating grass, leaves and grains and capable of drinking up to 120 litres of water at a time. Their mouths are extremely tough, allowing them to eat thorny desert plants. Bactrain camels can drink salty and brackish water.

After a 12 to 15 month gestation period, a female bactrain camel gives birth to a single offspring, weighing about 37 kilograms. The young reaches adult size in about 5 years. Bactrain camels have a life span of up to 50 years of age. Camels can be found alone or in groups of up to 30 individuals, led by a single adult male.

They are supremely adapted to protect themselves against the desert heat and sand, with wide, padded feet and thick leathery pads on the knees and chest, nostrils that can open and close, ears lined with protective hairs and bushy eyebrows with two rows of long eyelashes. Thick fur and underwool keep the Bactrain Camel warm during cold desert nights and also insulate against daytime heat.