The wild Bactrian camel (Camelus ferus) or simply the wild camel is an endangered species of camel endemic to Northwest China and southwestern Mongolia. It is closely related but not ancestral to the domestic Bactrian camel (Camelus bactrianus). Genetic studies have established it as a separate species which is similar to the Bactrian camel about 0.7–1.1 million years ago. Currently, there are only around 950 wild Bactrian camels. Most live on the Lop Nur Wild Camel National Nature Reserve in China, and a smaller population lives in the Great Gobi A Strictly Protected Area in Mongolia. There are also populations in the Altun Shan Wild Camel Nature Reserve (1986) in Qakilik County, in the Aksai Annanba Nature Reserve (1992), and in Dunhuang Wanyaodun Nature Reserve (now Dunhuang Xihu Wild Camel Nature Reserve) contiguous with the reserve in Qakilik (2001) and a reserve in Mazongshan contiguous with the reserve in Mongolia, all in China.
Name The species was originally considered a subspecies of the domestic Bactrian camel and named C. bactrianus ferus in reference to the region of Bactria, a wider geopolitical area of ancient South-Central Asia where wild Bactrian camels (C. ferus) were once widespread. The name ferus means "feral" or "wild" and is a common subspecies name for the wild ancestors of previously described domestic species. Later research recognised the domestic C. bactrianus as a separate, sister species to the wild Bactrian, elevating the subspecies C. bactrianus ferus to full species level as C. ferus. Some authors advocate using the name 'wild camel' instead of 'wild Bactrian camel' to accurately reflect the species' distinct identity and geography.
Description Wild Bactrian camels have long, narrow slit-like nostrils, a double row of long thick eyelashes, and ears with hairs that provide protection against desert sandstorms. They have tough undivided soles with two large toes that spread wide apart, and a hard, calloused layer which enables them to walk on rough, hot, stony, or sandy terrain. Their coat undergoes a seasonal change, going from a thick, shaggy light brown or beige in winter to a thinner, wirier, darker brown coat in summer. Like its close relative, the domesticated Bactrian camel, it is one of the few mammals able to eat snow to provide itself with liquids in the winter. While the legend that camels store water in their humps is a misconception, they are adapted to conserve water. However, long periods without water will still result in a deterioration of the animal's health.
Differences from domestic Bactrian camels Wild Bactrian camels (Camelus ferus) appear similar to domesticated Bactrian camels (Camelus bactrianus) but the outstanding difference is genetic, with the two species having descended from two distinct ancestors. There are several differences in size and shape between the two species. The wild Bactrian camel is slightly smaller than the domestic Bactrian camel and has been described as "lithe, and slender-legged, with very narrow feet and a body that looks laterally compressed." The humps of the wild Bactrian camel are smaller, lower, and more conical in shape than those of the domestic Bactrian camel. These humps may often be about half the size of those of a domesticated Bactrian camel. The wild Bactrian camel has a different shape of foot and a flatter skull (the Mongolian name for a wild Bactrian camel, havtagai, means "flat-head"). The wool of the wild Bactrian camel is always sandy coloured, and shorter and sparser than that of domestic Bactrian camels. The wild Bactrian camel can also survive on water saltier than seawater, something which probably no other large mammal in the world can tolerate – including the domesticated Bactrian camel.
Behaviour Wild Bactrian camels generally move in groups of up to 30 individuals, although 6 to 20 is more common depending on the amount of food available. They are fully migratory and widely scattered with a population density as low as 5 per 100 km2. They travel with a single adult male in the lead and assemble near water points where larger groups can also be seen. Their lifespan is about 40 years and they breed during winter with an overlap into the rainy season. Females produce offspring starting at age 5, and thereafter in a cycle of 2 years. Typically, wild Bactrian camels seen alone are postdispersal young individuals which have just reached sexual maturity.
Distribution and habitat
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