What types of camels are there? Animals: two-humped (Bactrian) and one-humped (dromedary) camels: photos, pictures, videos. Where do camels live and what do they eat in the desert?

Bactrian camel (lat. Camelus bactrianus) – large mammal, belonging to the Camelidae family. It is believed to have been domesticated 2,500 years ago in northern Iran or southeastern Turkmenistan, regardless of domestication

The animal became most widespread in Bactria, which in ancient times was located in the middle reaches of the Amu Darya River in the territory of present-day Afghanistan, Uzbekistan and Tajikistan. It was used to transport goods and became known as Bactrian.

Spreading

Currently, the population of domestic Bactrians is estimated at approximately 2 million individuals. They are widespread in Central Asian and Central Asian countries, Mongolia, China and the southern regions of Russia.

Except domesticated Bactrian camels wild bactrians (Camelus ferus) also survive in small quantities.

IN natural conditions Their habitats were first discovered and described by traveler and naturalist Nikolai Przhevalsky in 1878.

Camelus ferus live in small groups of 6 to 20 individuals in the Gobi (Mongolia) and Taklamakan deserts in western China. The Mongolian population is considered the most numerous, numbering more than 600 individuals.

In the Chinese province of Gansu, to preserve these rare animals, a national park Lop Nur Wild Camel. Despite all the measures taken, with the current ratio of mortality and birth rates, the number of the species in the next 20 years may decrease by another 15-17%.

Behavior

Bactrian camels are diurnal. They constantly roam in family groups, which include females and their young. Males prefer to remain in splendid isolation. About 5 individuals usually live per 100 square kilometers.

The nomads are located in the area of ​​rocky mountains, rocky plains, dry deserts and sand dunes, where there is little water, and the temperature in summer rises to 40°C, dropping to -40°C in winter. Bactrians migrate near rain rivers and at the foot of mountains, where life-giving moisture can be found in the form of springs or snow in winter period. They can go without water for a month, but when they find it, they drink almost 60 liters at a time.

During dehydration, the fat hump becomes flaccid and hangs from the back of the artiodactyl. It is capable of losing up to 40% of moisture in the body, which is 2 times more than the lethal norm for all other mammals.

It is helped to survive in such conditions by the special structure of the kidneys, which extract water from the urine and narrow red blood cells, ensuring the necessary fluidity of the blood in the capillaries even in the case of maximum thickening and accumulating fluid.

An excellent thermoregulation system helps maintain moisture in the body. Sweat appears only when the Bactrian's body temperature rises to 41°C. At night he lowers it to 34°C. His nostrils are always tightly closed and open only to take a short breath and exhale. Fat humps with a total weight of up to 150 kg serve as additional thermal insulation and protect the body from the scorching rays of the sun.

To escape the heat, wild Bactrians climb the mountains to heights of more than 3000 m above sea level. In winter, they migrate south, walking an average of about 500 m, and spend the winter in oases.

In a day, desert ships are capable, if necessary, of covering up to 100 km of travel, reaching speeds of up to 65 km/h over short distances. They are excellent swimmers and easily overcome water obstacles.

Nutrition

The diet of Bactrian camels consists of food of plant origin. They are not picky eaters and can feed on almost any plant, including salty, bitter and with an abundance of thorns, which other herbivorous mammals are not able to eat.

The food is lightly chewed, swallowed and ends up in the forestomach (rumen), where the fiber is pre-digested by cellulolytic bacteria. Then she goes back to oral cavity and is chewed again.

This resembles the digestive system of Ruminantia, which Bactrians do not belong to. They also have four-chambered stomachs, but their structure is completely different. The main difference is the presence of digestive glands in the rumen, which allows for more efficient digestion of low-nutrient foods.

Camels can quench their thirst in bodies of mixed and salt water. Within 10 minutes they are able to drink up to 120 liters of liquid.

The main plants eaten are feather grass (Stipa), fescue (Festuca), wild oats (Avena fatua), wormwood (Artemisia) in steppe zone and saxaul (Haloxylon) in deserts. In the absence of usual food products for a long time, animals are content with bones, skins or fish.

Reproduction

Females become sexually mature at 3-5 years, and males no earlier than 6 years. The mating season begins with the onset of autumn. At this time, male representatives become extremely aggressive, fight and sometimes even mate with each other. At the same time, they scream loudly, whistle, spit and bite.

The dominant male gathers his harem and does not allow camels to leave it. Because of jealousy, he poses a real threat to others.

Males are tied up or isolated immediately after the whistle appears. Among Mongolian nomads, it is customary to wear red bands to warn passersby of danger. If you are careless, it is very easy to get a powerful blow from your paws or fatal bite to the back of the head and neck.

During the mating season, wild camels often attack domestic herds, killing the males and taking the females with them.

They mark the boundaries of their possessions with secretions of the cervical glands, urine and feces. The female demonstrates her readiness to procreate by bending her knees and lying on the ground. After mating lasting about 15 minutes, the male tirelessly moves on to fertilize other females.

A female camel gives birth to cubs maximum once every two years. Pregnancy lasts from 360 to 440 days. Usually only one baby camel is born and twins are very rare. Babies are born in the spring, with peak birth rates observed in March-April. Childbirth occurs in a squatting position and lasts approximately 5 hours.

A newborn weighs from 36 to 45 kg, and its height reaches 90 cm. Within a couple of hours after birth, the baby amusingly runs after its mother.

Milk feeding lasts from 6 to 18 months, on average about a year. Mothers surround their babies with care and attention, but sometimes they flatly refuse to feed them. The baby camel stays with its mother for a long time, sometimes until puberty.

Mature males form bachelor groups, females remain in the maternal herd.

Description

The body length of adult individuals is 2.6-3 m, height 1.8-2.3 m, weight 460-550 kg. The tail is relatively short, 35-55 cm. The color varies from grayish sand to Brown. The longest hair is located on the back of the head and neck. In winter, the fur becomes longer and thicker, but after warming it falls out in large clumps.

Wild animals have lighter and thinner fur, a slimmer body, sharper humps and more extended upwards.

On the elongated neck is an elongated head. For eating thorny bushes, the lip has a forked shape. Eyes are protected to protect from dust and wind long eyelashes. There are no hooves; instead, two large toes rest on a calloused ball.

The lifespan of Bactrian camels is 45-50 years.

Relationship between Bactrians and Dromedaries

Based on the fossil remains of camels found, it was concluded that their ancestors originally lived in North America. Some of them moved to South America, and partly through the Bering Isthmus to Asia. The division into dromedaries and Bactrians occurred approximately 25 million years ago. One-humped animals appeared in the course of evolution later than their two-humped relatives.

Both species interbreed and produce fertile offspring, which are called Nars or Iners (in the European tradition, Turkomans).

Hybrids are more similar to dromedaries, are characterized by increased vitality, better physical qualities and weigh 1000-1100 kg. Bunks are widely used for transporting goods in Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Turkmenistan, Afghanistan, Iran and Turkey. Hybrid males are usually castrated and females are kept for breeding work.

Bactrian diseases

Bactrian camels are susceptible to many ailments. The most common infectious disease is tuberculosis, which they often contract when they enter areas with a damp climate. Their second most common disease is tetanus, which affects nervous system, causing cramps and severe muscle tension. It appears mainly after receiving various wounds, especially during the breeding season. The skin is often affected by pathogenic microflora, causing mycoses and dermatophytosis.

The respiratory tract becomes infected with small nematodes of the species Dictyocaulus cameli when drinking water from stagnant puddles. The disease is observed mainly in spring and summer among animals older than 3 years. They develop a cough, gray discharge from the nostrils and significant weight loss, which together lead to death. The nematodes Dipetalonema evanse infect the heart, lungs, circulatory and genitourinary systems. They enter the body through mosquito bites and can remain in the body for up to 7 years.

Autumn flies (Stomoxys calcitrans) lay eggs on the surface of the body, from which larvae emerge. They destroy the mucous membrane, slowly developing in it until the spring of next year. When walking Bactrians in rainy weather or staying in damp rooms, coccidiosis occurs, caused by protozoa of the Coccidia class. Affected artiodactyls experience lethargy, diarrhea, anemia and bluish skin.

Relationships with people

Bactrians play important role V Everyday life local population. They are used for riding, as draft power and as a source of meat, milk and leather. Among nomadic or semi-nomadic tribes, they are considered a valuable gift and are a common part of a bride's dowry.

A Bactrian camel is able to transport a load weighing 260-300 kg over a distance of up to 40 km during the day, moving at a speed of about 5 km/h and demonstrating greater endurance compared to horses and donkeys. Harnessed to a cart, it pulls luggage 3-4 times its weight.

Camel meat is edible; it is especially tender in baby camels. It tastes like game or lamb and is highly valued by gourmets. The meat of adult camels is closer to beef and is quite tough, so mainly young camels under the age of 2.5 years are slaughtered. It is consumed fresh and salted. In many places, camel fat is recognized as an exquisite delicacy and is consumed immediately after the animal is slaughtered while still hot.

Camel wool has excellent insulating properties and is used to make clothing, in particular for polar explorers, astronauts and diving enthusiasts. Its quality is comparable to merino wool. For one haircut you can get 6-10 kg of wool. Adults are cut twice a year, and young ones once. From 1 kg of wool you get 3.5-4 square meters. m of knitted fabric. This is enough to knit two sweaters.

The fat content of camel milk reaches 5-6%. On average, a camel gives 5 liters of milk daily, maximum 15-20 liters. During the lactation period, it can produce from 5000 to 7500 liters of valuable product.

Raw milk has a specific smell, so it is usually subjected to additional heat treatment. It has medicinal properties, contains an increased concentration of proteins, lipids, iron, calcium and vitamin C. In Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan, it is fermented to produce the fermented milk drink shubat (chal). It is used in the treatment of asthma, tuberculosis, diabetes, psoriasis and liver diseases.

The leather is used to make shoes and belts. Fresh excrement is very dry, so after minimal pre-drying it is already suitable for use as fuel. When burned, they produce a lot of heat and little smoke. Each year, one Bactrian produces up to 1 ton of manure.

These unusual animals are not like others. Many peoples cannot imagine life without the majestic and strong camels, domesticated many centuries ago. In some countries, the wealth of families is determined by the number of camel herds. For a very long time in the East, camel pack was the standard measure of weight. And old Arabic tales, in which the “ship of the desert” appears in one way or another, are spread all over the world.

The owners of these animals claim that camels are smart and understand humans very well, but each of them has its own character. And some are just terribly stubborn!

Many of us know from school that there are different types of camels, similar friend to each other, but different in some way. What are they common features and what are the differences?

General characteristics of the family

Of course, the main distinctive feature is the presence of a hump. By the way, it is by this feature that you can easily understand what species a camel belongs to. The camelid family includes several genera that are not camels, but are very closely related to them. All of these animals are mammals. The family belongs to the suborder Callopods. The peculiar structure of the legs is one of the main characteristics of the family. All camelids do not have (functional) hooves, and the underside of the foot is a calloused pad. In some genera it is paired, in others it is not.

Another characteristic feature- Long neck. But the most unusual, perhaps, is another feature of camelids, which is not visible to the naked eye. All members of the family have oval red blood cells, rather than round ones, like almost all other animals (and humans).

It is noteworthy that the vast majority of members of the family are excellent swimmers. IN natural environment In the habitat of camels, as a rule, there is a shortage of water; many of them have never seen lakes and rivers in their lives, so the mechanism of this phenomenon is not completely clear.

Prehistoric Alticamelus

These animals, of which today only fragments of skeletons remain, scattered throughout to the globe, were one of the most numerous representatives of the “mammoth fauna”. The genus included similar species of camels, the names of which were given either by the names of the researchers (for example, Knobloch's camel) or by their habitat (Alexandrian camel).

In total, modern scientists identify up to ten species of extinct camels. All of them were larger than modern ones, had very long necks, and looked somewhat like giraffes (but the resemblance is exclusively convergent). Alticamelus were common in the Cenozoic.

Bactrian with two humps

Camel species differ not only in the number of humps, but also in body size. The presence of two humps is the main feature by which you can easily determine that this is a Bactrian, but the height and weight of the animal are also important. larger and heavier than its one-humped relative and all other members of the family included in other genera.

This species tolerates heat well, but it is not afraid of moderate frosts. But high humidity is destructive for Bactrian. It is found in the Middle and Central Asia, in Mongolia and neighboring regions of China and Russia. People have bred many breeds of Bactrian, which are widely used in the economy as draft power or Camel meat and milk are very valuable, due to which they occupy an important place in the national cuisines of many peoples. The thick fur of the Bactrian is of considerable interest. A large number of Camels of this species are kept in circuses and zoos.

Khaptagai

Most sources name only such types of camels as one-humped and two-humped. But some scientists are inclined to classify haptagai as a separate species. The version is supported by the results of genetic studies and obvious external differences. Moreover, even the belief that Bactrian descended from the wild haptagai is questioned. Outwardly they are similar. But the wild camel is smaller than representatives of domestic meat breeds.

The subspecies was first described by the famous researcher Przhevalsky. At the time of the scientist, the population of wild Bactrian camels was much larger than it is now. Currently, there are only a few hundred haptagai.

All kinds of studies of these animals make it possible to better study them and determine measures that will help maintain the number of livestock. In addition, scientists are trying to establish between Bactrians. Perhaps these are still different types of camels, but at present official science does not recognize this.

Dromedar - ship of the desert

The dromedary camel is common in the Middle East and North Africa, in Asia Minor. He is also unusually hardy, unpretentious, and strong. Man domesticated the wild dromedary camel several thousand years ago, and since then the dromedary has been an integral part of the world order of several nations. Like its two-humped brother, it is of great value on the farm.

Dromedaries are not found in nature. The ancestors of this animal, which did not lend themselves to domestication, became extinct at the dawn of our era. There is information about wild dromedaries, but these are not autochthons, but wild animals that once lived with humans. And such cases are rare. There is no talk of identifying dromedaries that are lost or have run away from home as a separate species.

By comparing the types of camels, photos of which are presented in this article, you can easily identify a dromedary by the presence of a luxurious hump.

Other members of the family

Camels, llamas and vicuñas are the three genera that make up the camelid family. The types of genera are few. The genus of llamas, for example, has only two: the llamas themselves (domestic) and the wild form of the guanaco. The genus vicuña includes one species - vicuñas, very similar to guanacos, but even smaller in size.

Some researchers call the llama and vicuña genera New World camels. They are much smaller than dromedaries and bactrians and do not even have a hint of a hump.

Who is this Nar?

This unusual word unites a huge variety of hybrids of dromedary and bactrian. Received individuals from parents different types, like many other hybrids, are distinguished by excellent health, physical strength and endurance even greater than that of its parents. Nars are capable of producing viable offspring, but the third generation usually produces weak individuals that are of no value to breeders. Nars are crossed with both Bactrians and Dromedars, obtaining good results. Often a hybrid camel calf is born large, grows quickly, and in adulthood is even larger in size than its camel parent.

What types of hybrid camels breeders obtain depends on the purpose. With the help of crossing, they usually try to highlight some characteristic: length and quality of wool, specific amount meat, endurance. There are a huge number of camel breeding schemes. Kospak, zhabray, iner, kuz, kez-nar - this is far from full list. However, hybrid individuals are not distinguished into separate species or even breeds.

IN wildlife a similar phenomenon does not occur for the reason that the two-humped and one-humped camels have different habitats. It is noteworthy that the bunks always have one hump, but it is formed from two fused ones.

One of the amazing animals on our earth is the camel. He is curious not only about his appearance, but also a way of life. Therefore, many are interested in finding out the name of the Bactrian camel and fun facts associated with it.

What is it called

First, you should know that this animal can be domestic or wild. Mongolia is considered the birthplace of Bactrian camels. There this wild animal is known as "haptagai". The domestic Bactrian camel is called a Bactrian. The animal received this name in honor of the ancient region of Bactiria, which was located in This species is the largest of the camelid family.

Species distribution

Many people do not know the name of the Bactrian camel, but this is not surprising, since in our area you can only meet this exotic animal in a zoo. But in Central Asia and Mongolia it is a common pet. It is also bred in some in China. Worldwide, the number of Bactrians exceeds two million. But the wild representative of this family is very much in danger of extinction. According to some reports, the haptagai ranks eighth on the list of endangered mammals. In total, their number varies within about several hundred heads. Mostly haptagai can be found in some parts of Mongolia and China.

Relationship with a person

The Bactrian camel (name - Bactrian) plays a huge role in the life of Asian people. For the population that lives in desert districts, this animal is necessary vehicle. They also shear camels to make woolen items such as rugs, blankets, felt boots, capes, clothes and more. But the skin, meat and milk of the animal are also used. In addition, the dung of the Bactrian camel is also valuable, since it produces good fuel.

Appearance

This animal is so unusual that it cannot be confused with other mammals. The Bactrian or Bactrian camel, the photo of which is shown below, is quite large and weighs on average 500 kilograms. But heavier individuals are often found. If you measure the animal by the withers, it will exceed two meters, and if you take the height along with the humps, it can reach 2.7 m.

The animal has a long bent neck and lanky legs. Instead of hooves there is a cloven foot and wide calloused pads. In addition, on each leg there are processes that resemble a claw.

Also, the Bactrian camel, whose name is Bactrian, can have a different color from almost white until brown. The wool is quite thick and long, and is hollow inside to provide poor thermal conductivity. They also have an undercoat. Camels molt in summer, changing their coats. The old fur falls out quickly, and the animal can remain “naked” for a couple of weeks until a new coat grows.

animal hump

The humps are of greatest interest. They can be various shapes, which often depends on the condition of the camel. For example, if an animal is hungry, the humps may hang down; in an animal that has eaten, they are restored and rise again. This is explained by the fact that these “bags” contain fat (a total of about 150 kg), which is the body’s nutrition reserve. These growths also serve as thermal insulators for the animal. In addition, the Bactrian Bactrian camel is a convenient transport, since the distance between its “bags” is approximately 30 centimeters, this is enough for an adult to fit there.

Features of camels

This animal has special physiological characteristics that allow it to survive in adverse conditions. For example, a camel can suffer severe dehydration, while other animals die in such circumstances. With a strong loss of moisture in the body, this mammal noticeably loses weight, but when it has the opportunity to drink, its weight is restored almost immediately. In addition, the camel is able to accumulate and retain liquid until a certain point.

Lifestyle

This animal is diurnal and prefers to rest at night. Their main enemies are wolves and tigers. The Bactrian camel (name - Bactrian) lives according to the “schedule” set by the owner of the animal. But wild individuals keep in herds of up to 20 heads and obey the dominant male. Basically, in this family there are only females and young animals.

Rutting period

At the age of two, females are ready to have offspring. Male camels become sexually mature by age five. In autumn the rutting season begins. Often at this time, owners put males on a leash, since they become dangerous to surrounding animals and humans. They attack their opponents, rush about, roar and foam. If the male is dominant, he keeps the females in one place, not allowing them to disperse. Camels often engage in fights during this period. Even calm animals become ferocious during the mating season. They use their powerful neck, trying to pin the opponent to the ground, use their fangs, grabbing the legs and throat, and kick the enemy. In this case, if the owner does not disperse the camels, serious injuries and even death are possible for the weak male.

During the rutting period, haptagai can become dangerous to their domestic counterparts. They are able to break into the pen, kill the males and take away the females. Therefore, these days, shepherds take their animals to the mountains away from danger.

After mating, the female bears the offspring for 13 months. Only one baby camel is born, weighing no more than 45 kilos. Within two hours after birth, the baby is able to follow his mother independently. Lactation is long, about a year and a half. But a baby camel can chew already in the third month. The female is capable of giving birth once in two years. At the age of 4 years, male camels gather in groups, and over time, each of them organizes his own “harem”.

Amazing details

One of the most unusual mammals, of course, is the Bactrian camel. Interesting Facts about this animal are no less fascinating:

• One individual is capable of drinking 200 liters of water at a time.
• If the animal decides to rest or sleep, it cannot be forced to get up. It will only get up when it wants to.
• These herbivores can eat hard thorns without scratching their lips and mouth.
• The camel's nostrils are able to close when necessary (for example, to keep moisture out or during sandstorms to prevent sand from getting inside).
• If a hurricane begins in its territory of residence, the camel can remain in a lying, motionless state for several days.
• Each leg of the animal is capable of kicking in four directions.
• They can do without water if they eat green plants (camels get moisture from them).
• One of the defensive abilities is spitting. If you provoke a camel, it will draw an unpleasant mixture from its stomach, which it will “reward” the enemy with.
• The fur of this animal has the ability to reflect rays, which allows it not to overheat while moving through the desert.
• The name of the Bactrian camel “haptagai” appeared thanks to the local residents.
• Camel excrement is very dry, so it is used for heating. They give an even, almost smokeless warm flame.
• They have an excellent memory, which helps them not to get lost among the many dunes.
• Camels have keen eyesight. The animal sees movement in the desert a kilometer away.
• The camel's sense of smell allows it to survive, as it can smell water sixty kilometers away.
• IN bad weather the animal is trying to hide. If it is too hot outside, camels begin to walk against the wind, opening their mouths, to cool down a little and avoid overheating. They also use their tail for fanning.
• Although special vehicles and navigators have been invented for moving through the desert, the most reliable assistant is still the Bactrian camel, whose name is Bactrian.
• People use the fat that is in the “bags” of the animal for food. It is suitable for frying and is valued higher than beef.
• Camels do not tolerate dampness very well.
• They are very susceptible to disease.
• A wild camel can even be content with salt water; a domestic camel is not adapted to this.
• They can live up to 50 years.

Camels belong to the genus of mammals of the camelid family (Camelidae) of the suborder Camelidae of the order Artiodactyla. These large animals are perfectly adapted to life in deserts, semi-deserts and steppes. Residents of the arid regions of the world highly value camels and call them “ships of the desert.”

The height of the Bactrian camel exceeds 2 m, together with the humps it reaches 2.7 m. The saddle between the humps is located at a height of about 1.7 m, which makes it difficult to climb onto a standing camel and requires it to kneel or lie down. The distance between the humps is about 30 cm. The weight of an adult male reaches 500 kg or more. Females weigh less, from 320 to 450 kg. A young camel grows up to 7 years.

The Bactrian camel has a dense build, a rounded body, long legs with cloven feet that rest on a callus pad. No hooves. The neck is long, strongly curved, at first it bends down and then rises up in a U-shape. The tail is relatively short, up to 0.5 m in length, with a tassel at the tip. The coat is thick and dense, forming a long dewlap at the bottom of the neck. Long hair also grows on top of the humps, on the head and scruff of the neck. The Bactrian camel is painted brown-sand in different shades. Among domestic camels, brown, gray, black, white, and cream camels are common. Characteristic of the Bactrian camel are long and thick eyelashes, fleshy lips. The ears are round and small. A healthy camel has smooth humps and stands straight. On the back of the head there are paired glands that secrete a viscous and odorous black secretion for marking territory.

The Bactrian camel is an exclusively herbivore, feeding even on rough and poorly nutritious food. May eat plants with thorns.

The diet of wild camels consists of shrub and semi-shrub saltworts, onions, barnyard grass, parfolia, ephedra, saxaul, poplar and reed leaves. In the absence of such food, camels feed on animal bones and skins. In general, it tolerates fasting well.

The role of the camel's body's food supply is played by the fat contained in its humps. It does not split into water, but serves for thermal insulation. Two humps contain up to 150 kg of fat.

Camels come to water sources once every few days. They can easily survive without water for 2-3 weeks, especially in summer period when moisture accumulates in plants after rains. A camel survives even if it loses 40% of its body water. In addition, the Bactrian camel can drink salt water desert reservoirs. At the same time, a camel can drink a lot of water at one time. For severe dehydration – more than 100 liters.

Previously, wild camels were found throughout a wide area of ​​Central Asia. They lived in the Gobi, desert regions of Mongolia and China: from the Yellow River to Kazakhstan and Central Asia.

At the moment, there are several isolated areas where wild camels live, which are located in Mongolia and China.

Common camel species

The most ancient representatives of the camelid family, according to the research of scientists, lived in North America, from where some of them moved to South America, where they survived as llamas, and the second went along the Bering Isthmus to Asia.

Today there are two types of camels:

According to fossil finds, the separation of two-humped and one-humped camels occurred approximately 25 million years ago. At the same time, Bactrian camels appeared first, since the embryo of Bactrian camels initially develops two humps, one of which disappears as it develops.

Relationship between the two-humped and dromedary camels manifests itself in the fact that when crossed they give a cross, which is called Nar. Outwardly, the bunk resembles a one-humped camel; it is distinguished by one wide hump, the size of which is equal to two Bactrian humps. Nars are very large and strong animals, they are often bred in Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, Kyrgyzstan, Afghanistan, Iran and Turkey.

Male and female Bactrian camels differ in size. The difference in weight can reach 100 kg or more in favor of males.

Camels live in herds of 5-20 individuals, which consist of a dominant male leader, females and young animals. Adult males often live alone.

Under natural conditions, wild camels move from one area to another, preferring to live in rocky, desert areas, plains and foothills, near springs or reservoirs. They can climb mountains. During the day, camels travel 80-90 km. In winter, they migrate 300-600 km to the south.

Camels are active in daylight hours days. They usually sleep at night. In bad weather they hide in bushes and ravines.

Wild camels are aggressive, unlike the calmer domestic species. But at the same time, they are alert and extremely timid; in case of danger, they run away at speeds of up to 65 km/h.

Female and male camels reach sexual maturity at 3-5 years. The rut begins in the fall. Males are very aggressive during this period. They attack each other, roar loudly, and run. In this state, the male poses a danger to humans and animals.

Once every two years, a female camel gives birth to one baby camel. Pregnancy lasts 13 months. Camel cubs are born in the spring, in March-April, with a body weight of approximately 36 kg and a height of about 90 cm. After a few hours, they can follow their mother. Feeding lasts from 6 months to 1.5 years.

Bactrian camels are very attentive to their offspring. The baby camel lives with its mother until it reaches puberty, after which the males begin to live separately, and the females remain in the maternal herd.

Under natural conditions, camels live from 40 to 50 years.

In the past, camels were actively hunted by tigers, but today the habitats of these animals do not overlap. Another dangerous enemy for both wild and domestic camels is the wolf.

The domestication of the Bactrian camel occurred before 1000 BC. e. Thus, a camel, which is led by a man by the bridle, is depicted on the Black Obelisk of the Assyrian king Shalmaneser III (IX century BC). In Europe, the Bactrian camel for a long time remained an exotic and little-known animal.

The domestic Bactrian camel is common in Central Asia. It is the main domestic animal of Mongolia and China (about 2 million individuals), and is also common in Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Central Asia. In addition to countries with traditional breeding, domestic Bactrian camels are found in New Zealand, the USA, Iran and Pakistan. In the breeding regions of the Bactrian camel, it is of economic importance as a pack and draft animal, and as a source of milk, meat and leather.

The working Bactrian camel is very hardy and resistant to extreme conditions: high and low temperatures, lack of food and water. During the day he is able to walk 30-40 km a day with packs of 250-300 kg. The rider travels more than 100 km per day, at a speed of 10-12 km/h.

It is more difficult to control a camel than a horse, as it can be very stubborn. The animal is also quite whimsical in its maintenance.

The meat of the Bactrian camel is edible; that of young camels is tasty. The taste is similar to game meat, but with a sweetish aftertaste. Camel meat is mainly used as food in countries where camels are traditionally bred. National meat dishes are prepared from it (for example, beshbarmak).

Camel hump fat is also an important food product. It is eaten raw and warm after slaughter, which is considered a delicacy, and the cooled fat is used for melting.

Asian peoples also highly value camel milk. It is fattier than cow milk, tastes sweet, but produces less milk. A well-known drink based on sour camel milk is shubat, an analogue of kumis.

Camel wool is a valuable raw material, as products made from it are very warm. It is used to make clothing for astronauts, polar explorers, and divers.

Thick and rough camel skin is used for various crafts (shoe uppers, whips, belts).

The dung of domestic camels is used as fuel for fireplaces; it does not require long drying and produces a small, even, hot and smokeless flame.

• The Russian name “camel” comes from the Proto-Slavic, in its very borrowed Gothic word “ulbandus”, which translates as “elephant”. Camels were mentioned in the Tale of Bygone Years.
• In Mongolia and China, nature reserves have been created to preserve the population of wild camels.
• The Bactrian camel is depicted on Russian Kara-Kum sweets, although they are rare in the Karakum Desert, where Bactrian camels are bred.
• Multiple Sambo champion Olzhas Kairat-uly (Kazakhstan) lifted a Bactrian camel and carried it 16 meters.

The two-humped giant of the entire camel family is different unique ability survive in conditions that are destructive for other living beings.

Reliability and benefits for humans have been made camel since ancient times, a constant companion of the inhabitants of Asia, Mongolia, Buryatia, China and other areas with a dry climate.

Features and habitat of the Bactrian camel

There are two main varieties Bactrian camels. Titles the few wild camels in their native Mongolia are called haptagai, and the common domestic camels are called Bactrians.

Wild representatives are listed in the Red Book due to the threat of extinction of the last hundred individuals. The famous researcher N.M. first wrote about them. .

Domesticated camels were depicted on the ancient ruins of palaces dating back to the 4th century. BC. The number of Bactrians exceeds 2 million individuals.

Before today camel- an indispensable transport for humans in desert conditions; its meat, wool, milk, even dung have long been used as excellent fuel.

Breeding Bactrians is usually for residents of rocky, desert areas with limited sources of water, and foothill areas with sparse vegetation. Where you can often find a dromedary camel.

Small rainfalls or river banks attract wild camels to watering places to replenish their body supplies. In winter they make do with snow.

Khaptagai travel long distances, up to 90 km per day, in search of food and especially water sources.

The size of the male Bactrian giants is impressive: up to 2.7 m in height and body weight up to 1000 kg. Females are slightly smaller: weight up to 500-800 kg. Tail 0.5 meters long with a tassel.

Upright humps reflect the satiety of the animal. When hungry, they partially heel.

The legs are adapted to move on loose surfaces or rocky slopes; they have cloven feet on a wide callus pad.

In front is a claw-like shape or something like a hoof. Calloused areas cover the animal's front knees and chest. Wild individuals do not have them, and their body shape is leaner.

Big head mobile on a curved neck. Expressive eyes covered with double rows of eyelashes. IN sandstorms they cover not only the eyes, but also the slit-like nostrils.

The upper hard lip, characteristically forked among camelids, is adapted for rough food. The ears are small, almost invisible from a distance.

Thick coat color different colors: whitish to dark brown. The fur is similar to that of polar bears or reindeer.

Empty hairs inside and a lush undercoat help protect against high and low temperatures.

Molting occurs in the spring, and camels“going bald” due to rapid hair loss. After about three weeks it increases new fur coat, which becomes especially long in winter, from 7 to 30 cm.

The accumulation of fat in the humps of up to 150 kg not only serves as a supply of nutrition, but also protects against overheating, since Sun rays most affect the back of the animal.

Bactrians are adapted to very hot summers and harsh winters. The main need for their living is a dry climate; they tolerate dampness very poorly.

Character and lifestyle of the Bactrian camel

In wild nature camels They tend to settle down, but constantly move across desert areas, rocky plains and foothills within large marked areas.

Khaptagai move from one rare water source to another to replenish their vital supplies.

Usually 5-20 individuals stay together. The leader of the herd is the main male. Activity manifests itself during the day, and in the dark the camel sleeps or behaves sluggishly and apathetically.

During hurricane periods it lies for days; in hot weather they walk against the wind for thermoregulation or hide in ravines and bushes.

Wild individuals are shy and aggressive, unlike the cowardly but calm Bactrians. Khaptagai have keen eyesight and, when danger appears, they run away at speeds of up to 60 km/h.

They can run for 2-3 days until they are completely exhausted. Domestic Bactrian camels perceived as enemies and feared on a par with tigers. The smoke from the fire terrifies them.

Researchers note that size and natural forces do not save giants due to their small minds.

When attacked by a wolf, they do not even think about defending themselves, they just scream and spit. Even crows can peck at animal wounds and abrasions from heavy loads, camel shows his vulnerability.

In an irritated state, spitting is not a release of saliva, as many believe, but contents accumulated in the stomach.

The life of domesticated animals is subordinate to humans. In case of wildness, they lead the image of their ancestors. Adult sexually mature males can live alone.

IN winter time camels It is more difficult for other animals to move through the snow. They also cannot dig up food under the snow due to the lack of true hooves.

There is a practice of winter grazing by first turning up the snow cover, and then camels, picking up the remaining food.

Bactrian camel feeding

Rough and low-nutrient food forms the basis of the diet of two-humped giants. Herbivorous camels feed on plants with thorns that all other animals will refuse.

Most species of desert flora are included in the food supply: reed shoots, leaves and branches of parfolia, onions, coarse grass.

They can feed on the remains of animal bones and skins, even objects made from them, in the absence of other food.

If the plants in food are succulent, then the animal can survive without water for up to three weeks. If a source is available, they drink on average once every 3-4 days.

Wild individuals even consume brackish water without harm to their health. Pets avoid it, but they need salt consumption.

After severe dehydration at one time bactrian camel can drink up to 100 liters of liquid.

Nature has endowed camels ability to endure long periods of fasting. The scarcity of food does not harm the condition of the body.

Excessive nutrition leads to obesity and organ failure. Camels are not picky about household feed; they eat hay, crackers, and cereals.

Reproduction and lifespan of the Bactrian camel

Sexual maturity camels occurs around 3-4 years of age. Females are ahead of males in development. In the fall comes marriage time.

Aggression is manifested in roaring, throwing, foaming from the mouth and constant attacks on everyone.

To avoid danger, male domestic camels are tied and marked with warning bands or separated from others.

Males fight, hit the enemy and bite. Rivalry causes injury and may result in death in such a battle if the shepherds do not intervene and protect the weak.

Wild Bactrian camels During the mating season, they become bolder and try to take away domestic females, and the males, it happens, are killed.

Pregnancy of females lasts up to 13 months, in the spring a calf is born weighing up to 45 kg; twins are very rare.

Within two hours the baby is following his mother independently. Milk feeding lasts up to 1.5 years.

Caring for the offspring is clearly manifested and lasts until puberty. Then the males leave to create their own harem, and the females remain in their mother’s herd.

To enhance qualities and dimensions, crossing different species is practiced: hybrids of one-humped and two-humped camels— BIRTUGAN (male) and MAYA (female). As a result, nature left one hump, but extended along the entire back of the animal.

Lifespan Bactrian camels in nature is about 40 years. At proper care homemade ones increase lifespan by 5-7 years.