Bactrian camel
This camel is one of three that live at Jimmy's Farm in Suffolk.
The Bactrian camel also known as the Mongolian camel or domestic Bactrian camel, is native to the steppes of Central Asia. Its population of 2 million exists mainly in the domesticated form. Bactrian camels, whether domesticated or feral, are a separate species from the wild Bactrian camel, of which only 900 to 950 survive.
Bactrian camels, their name comes from the ancient historical region of Bactria, have served as pack animals in inner Asia since they were domesticated circa 4,500 BC. With its tolerance for withstanding wide variations in temperature, ranging from freezing cold to blistering heat, drought, and high altitudes, it enabled the travel of caravans on the Silk Road. As pack animals they are virtually unsurpassed, able to carry 370 to 550 lb. (170 to 250 kg) at a rate of 30 miles (48 km) per day, or 2.5 mph (4 km/h) over a period of four days.
At shoulder height the camel is from 5 ft. 2 in. to 5 ft. 11 in. (160 to 180 cm) with the overall height ranging from 7 ft. 6 in. to 8 ft. 2 in. (230 to 250 cm). The head and body length are 7 ft. 4 in. to 11 ft. 6 in. (225 to 350 cm) and the tail length is 14 to 22 in. (35 to 55 cm). At the top of the humps, the average height is 7 ft. (215 cm). Males weigh around 1,320 lb. (600 kg) and females around 1,060 lb. (480 kg). Its long, woolly coat varies in colour from dark brown to sandy beige. A mane and beard of long hair occurs on the neck and throat. The shaggy winter coat is shed extremely rapidly, with huge sections peeling off at once, appearing as if sloppily shorn. The two humps on the back are composed of fat. The face is long and somewhat triangular, with a split upper lip. The long eyelashes, along with the sealable nostrils, help to keep out dust in the frequent sandstorms which occur in their natural range. The two broad toes on each foot have undivided soles and are able to spread widely as an adaptation to walking on sand, the feet are very tough.
Bactrian camels are active during the daytime, sleeping in the open at night and foraging for food during the day. They are primarily herbivorous, with tough mouths that can withstand sharp objects such as thorns, they are able to eat plants that are dry, prickly, salty or bitter, and can ingest virtually any kind of vegetation. When other nutrient sources are not available, these camels may feed on carcasses, gnawing on bones, skin, or various different kinds of flesh. When well fed, the humps are plump and erect, but as resources decline, the humps shrink and lean to the side. They have a remarkable ability to go without water for months at a time, but when water is available, they may drink up to 12.5 gal. (56.8 litres) in one go.
These camels can reach speeds of up to 40 mph (65 km/h), but they rarely move this fast. Bactrian camels are also said to be good swimmers. The sense of sight is well developed, and the sense of smell is extremely good.
One or occasionally two calves are produced, and the female can give birth to a new calf every other year. Young Bactrian camels are being able to stand and run shortly after birth and are fairly large at an average birth weight of 79 lb. (36 kg). The calf is nursed for about 18 months and stays with its mother for three to five years. Wild camels sometimes breed with domesticated or feral camels.
The lifespan of Bactrian camels is estimated at up to 50 years, more often 20 to 40 in captivity.
Bactrian camel
This camel is one of three that live at Jimmy's Farm in Suffolk.
The Bactrian camel also known as the Mongolian camel or domestic Bactrian camel, is native to the steppes of Central Asia. Its population of 2 million exists mainly in the domesticated form. Bactrian camels, whether domesticated or feral, are a separate species from the wild Bactrian camel, of which only 900 to 950 survive.
Bactrian camels, their name comes from the ancient historical region of Bactria, have served as pack animals in inner Asia since they were domesticated circa 4,500 BC. With its tolerance for withstanding wide variations in temperature, ranging from freezing cold to blistering heat, drought, and high altitudes, it enabled the travel of caravans on the Silk Road. As pack animals they are virtually unsurpassed, able to carry 370 to 550 lb. (170 to 250 kg) at a rate of 30 miles (48 km) per day, or 2.5 mph (4 km/h) over a period of four days.
At shoulder height the camel is from 5 ft. 2 in. to 5 ft. 11 in. (160 to 180 cm) with the overall height ranging from 7 ft. 6 in. to 8 ft. 2 in. (230 to 250 cm). The head and body length are 7 ft. 4 in. to 11 ft. 6 in. (225 to 350 cm) and the tail length is 14 to 22 in. (35 to 55 cm). At the top of the humps, the average height is 7 ft. (215 cm). Males weigh around 1,320 lb. (600 kg) and females around 1,060 lb. (480 kg). Its long, woolly coat varies in colour from dark brown to sandy beige. A mane and beard of long hair occurs on the neck and throat. The shaggy winter coat is shed extremely rapidly, with huge sections peeling off at once, appearing as if sloppily shorn. The two humps on the back are composed of fat. The face is long and somewhat triangular, with a split upper lip. The long eyelashes, along with the sealable nostrils, help to keep out dust in the frequent sandstorms which occur in their natural range. The two broad toes on each foot have undivided soles and are able to spread widely as an adaptation to walking on sand, the feet are very tough.
Bactrian camels are active during the daytime, sleeping in the open at night and foraging for food during the day. They are primarily herbivorous, with tough mouths that can withstand sharp objects such as thorns, they are able to eat plants that are dry, prickly, salty or bitter, and can ingest virtually any kind of vegetation. When other nutrient sources are not available, these camels may feed on carcasses, gnawing on bones, skin, or various different kinds of flesh. When well fed, the humps are plump and erect, but as resources decline, the humps shrink and lean to the side. They have a remarkable ability to go without water for months at a time, but when water is available, they may drink up to 12.5 gal. (56.8 litres) in one go.
These camels can reach speeds of up to 40 mph (65 km/h), but they rarely move this fast. Bactrian camels are also said to be good swimmers. The sense of sight is well developed, and the sense of smell is extremely good.
One or occasionally two calves are produced, and the female can give birth to a new calf every other year. Young Bactrian camels are being able to stand and run shortly after birth and are fairly large at an average birth weight of 79 lb. (36 kg). The calf is nursed for about 18 months and stays with its mother for three to five years. Wild camels sometimes breed with domesticated or feral camels.
The lifespan of Bactrian camels is estimated at up to 50 years, more often 20 to 40 in captivity.