:quality(80))
:quality(80))
Thirst
"When a camel has walked around for days without water, it can drink more than 100 liters of water in a few minutes!"
Discover in real lifeHabitat:
desert areas near human settlements
Diet:
plants
Age:
up to 50 years
Weight:
600–800 kg
Offspring:
1 young
Gestation period:
12 to 14 months
To see:
Along walking safari, bus safari, car safari and boat safari
IUCN status:
critically endangered
EEP:
no
About the Bactrian camel
The Bactrian camel (Camelus bacrianus) is superbly adapted to life in the desert. Thanks to its broad feet, long eyelashes and economical water consumption, it can withstand extreme conditions. Although camels have been kept by humans for thousands of years, their wild relative now lives only in a small part of the Gobi Desert and is critically endagered. At Beekse Bergen, camels can be seen along the walking, bus, car and boat safaris.
:quality(85))
Habitat and threats
The bactrian camel lives in the arid desert regions of Central Asia and is well adapted to extreme heat, cold and water scarcity. However, due to the expansion of human activities and competition with livestock for food and water, the species is under severe pressure. As a result, the number of bactrian camels has declined sharply and the species is listed 'Critically Endangered' on the IUCN Red list.
:quality(85))
Species conservation in Beekse Bergen
Did you know that more than 10,000 animal species in the world are in danger of extinction? Beekse Bergen works with about 325 European zoos to conserve these species. Through management programs (EEPs)we ensure healthy reserve populations. Together, we form the European Association of Zoos (EAZA).
The Bactrian camels at Beekse Bergen are also part of an EEP. A coordinator maintains a pedigree of the species and manages the population in zoos. Together with a committee, the coordinator gives advice on which animals are allowed to have cubs together. Sometimes that means moving an Beekse Bergen to another zoo. This way we increase the chance of healthy cubs and the survival of the species. You can recognize animal species with an EEP by the logo of a rhino with a calf.