Bactrian Camel

The Bactrian camel dwells in the scorching heat of Central Asia's Gobi Desert. In the summer, these deserts may reach temperatures above 100 degrees. The camel herds, despite being very well adapted to extremes in the environment, will migrate from the heat of the stony desert up into the mountainous regions during the warmest months of the year. They can be found at elevations of 3,000m (10,000ft) or higher before descending into the desert with the arrival of winter.

To keep hydrated, a Bactrian camel needs to drink a lot of water. In just 13 minutes, it may consume up to 30 gallons of water! Bactrian camels do not sweat much, allowing them to preserve water. Two humps of fat are stored in these camels, which may be converted into food and water as needed (as opposed to the dromedary camel, with only one hump). They may go six to seven months without needing to replenish their water supply.

Bactrian camels are highly endangered in their natural habitat. Because of habitat degradation due to mining and other land development, their numbers are dwindling.

Scientific Name: Camelus bactrianus

Resilient Animal for Surviving Extreme Heat: Lives in 100+ Degrees