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User:Ge0384/Bactrian camel

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Relationship to humans

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Petroglyphs

The Bactrian camel was domesticated circa ~4,500 BCE.[1] The dromedary is believed to have been domesticated between 4000 BCE and 2000 BCE in Arabia. As pack animals, these ungulates are virtually unsurpassed, able to carry 170–250 kg (370–550 lb) at a rate of 47 kilometres (29 mi) per day, or 4 kilometres per hour (2.5 mph) over a period of four days.[2] The species was a mainstay of transportation on the Silk Road.[3] The Bactrian camel was an important aspect in human transportation, they were able to withstand harsh conditions, which made them ideal for long distance travel. [4] Furthermore, Bactrian camels are frequently ridden, especially in desertified areas. In ancient Sindh, for example, Bactrian camels of two humps were initially used by the rich for riding. People from the past would keep camels as pets because of their high intelligence.[4] The camel was later brought to other areas such as Balochistan and Iran for the same purpose.[2]

Bactrian camels provided milk for nomads that contained plentiful nutrients. [4]

Tang dynasty model, owned by Agatha Christie

Bactrian camels have been the focus of artwork throughout history. For example, westerners from the Tarim Basin and elsewhere were depicted in numerous ceramic figurines of the Chinese Tang dynasty (618–907).

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Conservation Efforts

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The Bactrian camel is classified as critically endangered. [5] Some reasons for their endangerment are hunting and hybridization.[6] Certain regions hunt Bactrian camels as a source of food. [6] The Wild Camel Protection Foundation is working to fight the endangerment of the Bactrian camel. Some ways they are fighting their extinction is by spreading awareness and setting up protected areas.[5]

Climate Adaptations

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The Bactrian camel has shaggy fur that keeps them warm. [7] They live in areas with extreme temperatures, ranging from intense cold to severe heat. When it gets warm out, their shaggy coat will shed, helping the camel control its body temperature.[8] The Bactrian camel has two humps to store the energy the get from fat.[7] If energy sources become scarce, camels can rely on the energy stored in their humps.[7]Their humps also allow them to hold up to 35 gallons of water at a time.[7]

References

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  1. ^ MacHugh, David E.; Larson, Greger; Orlando, Ludovic (2017-02-08). "Taming the Past: Ancient DNA and the Study of Animal Domestication". Annual Review of Animal Biosciences. 5 (1). Annual Reviews: 329–351. doi:10.1146/annurev-animal-022516-022747. ISSN 2165-8102. PMID 27813680.
  2. ^ a b Rahimdad Khan Molai Shedai; Janat ul Sindh 3rd edition 1993; Sindhi Adbi Board Jamshoro, page 20
  3. ^ Andrea, A.J.; Levi, S.C. (2009). "Afro-Eurasian connectivity across the ages" (PDF). World System History. The Silk Road. Vol. I.
  4. ^ a b c Harper, Derek (2023-03-14). "Bactrian Camels in History: Their Domestication and Use in Warfare". Camel Advisor. Retrieved 2025-03-08.
  5. ^ a b World, Author Our Endangered (2020-12-04). "Wild Bactrian Camel: Is This Animal Endangered?". Retrieved 2025-04-12. {{cite web}}: |first= has generic name (help)
  6. ^ a b Deer, Ian @ World (2024-09-19). "The Wild Bactrian Camel (Camelus ferus)". World Deer. Retrieved 2025-04-12.
  7. ^ a b c d "Bactrian Camel". Saint Louis Zoo. Retrieved 2025-04-12.
  8. ^ "Bactrian Camel | National Geographic". Animals. 2011-05-10. Retrieved 2025-04-12.