What Is A Two-Humped Camel Called? Find Out Interesting Facts About It
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Camels are fascinating creatures as these mammals are the only mode of transportation and sustenance in wild and chaotic deserts.
These fascinating creatures are often called 'the Ship of the Desert.' If you are curious about the animal world and want to know more about these amazing ships of the desert, you have come to the right place.
Camels are pack animals that are present in two species. The two types of camels are dromedary camels and Bactrian camels. While Bactrian camels have two humps on their bodies, the dromedary camels only have one hump on their body. This article specifically deals with the type of camel known as two-humped camels.
The two-humped camel, which is also known as the Bactrian camel or Mongolian camel, is the world's only living wild camel surviving in the harsh desert conditions of Eastern Asia. Some of the countries of Eastern Asia, which are home to these camels, are China, Iran, Pakistan, and Mongolia. These two-humped camels are native to the Mongolian desert.
Let's learn more about the one-humped camel. The one-humped camel is called dromedary. This type of camel is typically found in Africa and the Middle East. Dromedary camels are relatively spread and are more common than wild Bactrian camels, critically endangered species.
Since Bactrian camels are lesser-known but impressive all the same, let's learn some cool and interesting facts about them! Bactrian camels can drink more than 26 gals (118 l) of water in 10 minutes. Most Bactrians found in the world are domesticated in one way or another, and Bactrian camels only have a single natural predator: a gray wolf.
The two-humped Bactrian camels are known for their ability to survive without water for long periods. The Bactrian camel is one of the few animals to eat snow efficiently to obtain water.
Unlike the legendary myths about camels storing water in their humps, Bactrian camels store fat in their humps, which releases into their body when the need arises, helping them with the overheating process.
These two-humped Mongolian camels of the Gobi Desert are 7 ft (2.13 m) tall and can move up to the speed of 40 mph (65 kph). Additionally, camels can carry a 0.187-0.3 t (170-272.1 kg) load on their backs.
Bactrian camels are most active during the day (diurnal), and wild Bactrian camels are critically endangered in the wild. The population of these mammals has reduced considerably due to excess hunting and domestication across their habitat.
After reading about the wild Bactrian camel species' appearance and qualities, check out camel facts and how long can a camel go without water?
What do Bactrian camels eat?
Two-humped Bactrian camels are omnivores and are ready to eat the meat if they have no choice in their habitat. These domestic animals, though primarily herbivores, will eat everything from grass, thorns, branches, leaves, and other vegetation to the flesh of other animals.
Due to their diversified diet habits, they survive in extreme temperatures and weather conditions. These domestic animals can store the excess fat in their humps to ensure they have that extra energy when needed.
How long do two-humped camels live?
Camels generally have a very long lifespan; camels can live up to 40-50 years.
The average lifespan of a Bactrian camel is 20-50 years. Since they are wild camels, adept at surviving in dangerous conditions, and their ability to live without water for long periods made them live in the extremities of nature.
However, when held in captivity, their life span decreases to 40 years because of changes in their diet and environment.
Can you ride a two-humped camel?
Yes, domesticated Bactrian camels can be ridden. These two-humped camels are gentle and friendly creatures.
Since they are the only mode of transportation in the deserts, two-humped camels are frequently ridden there. But of course, if you are riding these camels for the first time, then brace yourself, the start of the ride might make you feel a little uneasy, but as you go on, you will quickly get used to it.
Who knows, you might even enjoy the ride and the view of the desert from up there.
How many two-humped camels are there?
As mentioned previously, wild Bactrian camels are critically endangered. The United Kingdom-based Wild Camel Protection Foundation (WCPF) estimates only 1400 living wild Bactrian camels surviving worldwide.
In India, Bactrian camels can be found in the regions of Leh and Ladakh. The reason for Bactrian camels being so few is mainly because of excessive hunting and other human activity.
The mining activity in regions of China and Mongolia has led them to stray away from their homeland and are at the risk of subsistence hunting.
But most of the Bactrian camel population can be found in the cold deserts of China, Mongolia, Iran, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Kazakhstan, and Central Asia. It is reported that Bactrian camels have a population of two million that exists primarily in the domesticated form.
Here at Kidadl, we have carefully created many interesting family-friendly facts for everyone to enjoy! If you like our suggestions for what is the two-humped camel called, then why not take a look at do camels spit or camel teeth.
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Bachelor of Science specializing in Human Anatomy
Joan AgieBachelor of Science specializing in Human Anatomy
With 3+ years of research and content writing experience across several niches, especially on education, technology, and business topics. Joan holds a Bachelor’s degree in Human Anatomy from the Federal University of Technology, Akure, Nigeria, and has worked as a researcher and writer for organizations across Nigeria, the US, the UK, and Germany. Joan enjoys meditation, watching movies, and learning new languages in her free time.
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