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Differences Between a Bactrian Camel and a Dromedary

Camels, common beasts of burden in Africa, Asia and the Middle East, are even-toed, hoofed mammals. In addition to their role as pack animals, camels also provide milk, meat and wool to indigenous peoples. They are uniquely suited to withstand the hot, dry conditions in desert regions. Camels belong to the same family as llamas and alpacas that cannot withstand arid climates. There are two species of camels: Dromedary and Bactrian. While both species have much in common, there are several differences that make each species better suited to its environment.

Humps
- All camels have humps, but the number of humps depends on the species. Dromedary, or Arabian, camels only have one hump, while Bactrian camels have two humps. These humps are actually fatty deposits. Concentrating the fatty tissue into the hump reduces the amount of heat trapped in the body by fat deposits, which helps the camels survive in high temperatures. When needed, the fatty tissue from the hump can be metabolized for energy. The fatty deposits in the Bactrian camel are formed into two humps to protect against heat loss in colder temperatures.
Appearance
- While both species of camel are similar in color and appearance, Dromedary camels have longer limbs, which raise their bodies further from the ground away from the heat. Dromedaries also have shorter body hair, allowing heat to escape faster, another characteristic that makes these camels suited to hot climates. Bactrian camels, on the other hand, are shorter than dromedaries and have longer hair. These attributes make Bactrian camels the animal of choice for areas that are colder in the winter because they help to retain body heat. Despite having longer limbs, Dromedaries typically weigh less than Bactrian camels. Dromedary males weight around 900 pounds, while Bactrian males can weight up to 1,400 pounds.
Temperament
- Dromedary camels are known for their bad temperaments and are prone to spitting and kicking. When unhappy, dromedaries stamp their feet and run. Bactrian camels are much more docile. Keeping temperament in mind when selecting a camel for a specific task can go a long way in ensuring success.
Habitat
- Dromedary camels most likely originated on the Arabian Peninsula, while Bactrian camels are native to the steppes of central Asia. Differences in their native habitats are reflected in the two species' physical differences. Because Bactrian camels originated in an area with colder winters, they have developed characteristics that help them cope with the cold weather. Wild dromedaries are native to areas that are more temperate, so their characteristics help them cope with extreme heat

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