Where are they found?
They are found in steep grassland, mainly valleys and canyons and in the Gobi desert. They are also found in Mongolia and China. There are domestic herds throughout Asia. They live in groups of 3 - 30. Bachelor herds and solitary older males do occur.

What are they?
The Camel is a mammal.

What do they look like?
There are various varieties of camel. The Bactrian camel has a length of 10 feet and a height of 7 feet. It weighs 300 to 690 kg (661-1521 lb.) This Camel has a light to dark brown coat, which is short in summer. It has a thin mane on its chin, shoulder, hind legs and, of course, humps. The winter coat is longer and thicker.

How long do they live?
40 to 50 years.

What do they eat? The Camel will eat almost any vegetation it can find. They are herbivorous and prefer grasses, leaves and shrubs. They will eat thorns, dry vegetation and salt bush, which other animals tend to avoid. Breeding The males are ready to reproduce at 5 years and the females at 3 to 4 years. Gestation is 13 to 15 months and the mothers can expect a single birth.

Are they rare?
They are endangered. Their numbers are reduced due to competition of domestic herds for water. Wild herds in Mongolia are now protected in parks. Hunting them is banned in China and Mongolia.

Did you Know?
The Bactrian Camel has long eyelashes and ears lined with hair to prevent the wind from blowing in sand. Their nostrils can be closed to keep out blowing sand too.

They have thick fur and under wool which provides warmth during the cold desert nights and some insulation against daytime heat. Fat stored in their humps helps these animals survive long periods without food.