Why do some camels have one hump, but others have two? Because there are three different species of camels! Dromedary camels have one hump, while Bactrian camels and wild Bactrian camels (two separate species) both have two. Here are a few more differences between Dromedary camels and their two Bactrian cousins!
You might need a longer measuring tape
The lightest Bactrian camels and Dromedary camels both start at around 900 pounds. Male Bactrians top out at 1,100 pounds, while male Dromedaries can reach 1,500 pounds. Bactrian camels tend to be longer from head to tail, measuring between 10 and 11.5 feet long while Dromedary camels are usually between 7.2 - 11.2 feet long. But the score flips for shoulder height, with Dromedaries reaching 5.9 to 6.6 feet tall at the shoulder and Bactrians standing 5.2 to 5.9 feet tall.
Some (camels) like it hot
Not all camels live in the desert. Dromedary camels are mostly found in hot, arid deserts in Africa, India, and the Middle East, aside from a small feral population in Australia. But Bactrian camels live in the cold desert regions of the Middle East, Mongolia, and China. They can withstand temperatures below -20º F and even eat snow to hydrate!
You’re an AC unit, Mr. Camel
Since they make their homes in hot environments, Dromedary camels sport a coat of short fur. The hairs come in shades of almost-white to light tan to reflect the sun’s rays and keep theM cool. But Bactrian camels have a thick, dark, and shaggy coat! They’re especially fluffy in the winter, but they shed a lot of their fur in the summer. Even then, they’re still hairier than their dessert cousins.
They come in sweet and sour
Dromedary camels are so speedy that people race them! Thanks to their long legs and sand-efficient hooves, they can reach speeds of up to 40 miles per hour. Bactrian camels are built more for strength and endurance, serving as pack animals for centuries. Bactrians also tend to be docile and friendly, while Dromedaries are more likely to stubbornly spit on you.
More camels than Texans
There are around 35 million Dromedary camels in the world today. (For comparison, approximately 30 million people live in the state of Texas!) About 300,000 of those Dromedaries are the feral Australians, while the rest hang out in the Eurasian desert. In contrast, the world population of both types of Bactrian camels combined is only about 2.8 million. Unfortunately, wild Bactrians are critically endangered, with only about 900 - 1,600 of them left.
Dromedary camels and Bactrian camels definitely have their differences, but they’re both incredible animals. Which humpy friend is your favorite? Click the blue button below to vote! 👓