The Bactrian Camel (L)

The Bactrian Camel

A camel is an even-toed ungulate within the genus Camelus, bearing distinctive 

fatty deposits known as "humps" on its back. The two surviving species of camel are 

the dromedary, or one-humped camel, which inhabits the Middle East and the Horn of 

Africa; and the bactrian, or two-humped camel, which inhabits Central Asia. Both 

species have been domesticated. They provide milk, meat, hair for textiles or goods 

such as felted pouches, and are working animals with tasks ranging from human 

transport to bearing loads.

Camel milk is a staple food of desert nomad tribes and is sometimes considered a 

meal in and of itself; a nomad can live on only camel milk for almost a month. 

Camel milk is rich in vitamins, minerals, proteins, and immunoglobulins. Compared 

to cow's milk, it is lower in fat and lactose and higher in potassium, iron, and 

vitamin C. Bedouins believe the curative powers of camel milk are enhanced if the 

camel's diet consists of certain desert plants. Camel milk can readily be made into 

a drinkable yogurt, as well as butter or cheese, though the yields for cheese tend 

to be low.

By at least 1200 BC, the first camel saddles had appeared, and Bactrian camels 

could be ridden. The first saddle was positioned to the back of the camel, and 

control of the Bactrian camel was exercised by means of a stick. However, between 

500–100 BC, Bactrian camels attained military use. New saddles, which were 

inflexible and bent, were put over the humps and divided the rider's weight over 

the animal. In the seventh century BC, the military Arabian saddle appeared, which 

improved the saddle design again slightly.

Camel cavalries have been used in wars throughout Africa, the Middle East, and into 

modern-day Border Security Force of India though as of July 2012, the BSF has 

planned the replacement of camels with ATVs. The first use of camel cavalries was 

in the Battle of Qarqar in 853 BC. Armies have also used camels as freight animals 

instead of horses and mules.

Add this Truly Beautiful and Graceful Bactrian Camel to your collection today!