Domestic Bactrian Camel

Bactrian camels are massive, two-humped mammals adapted to the cold deserts and dry steppes of Central Asia. Dense winter coats, closable nostrils, long eyelashes, broad padded feet, and exceptional tolerance of dehydration allow them to withstand dust, severe cold, summer heat, and scarce water. Their humps store fat rather than water, supplying energy when forage is limited. Domestic animals have long served as transport and livestock throughout inland Asian trade routes. (Animal Diversity Web)

These camels browse and graze on grasses, shrubs, leaves, seeds, and coarse, thorny, or salty desert vegetation that many other herbivores avoid. Females usually produce a single calf after a prolonged gestation of approximately 360 to 440 days; twins are uncommon. Newborn calves can stand and walk relatively soon, but remain dependent on maternal milk and protection for an extended period. Strong social bonds connect females and their offspring within herds. (Animal Diversity Web)