Status and distribution of wild Bactrian camels Camelus bactrianus ferus

Abstract

Wild Bactrian camels Camelus bactrianus ferus survive now only in and around the Great Gobi National Park in Mongolia and in western China, principally in the eastern part of the Taklimakan Desert in the vicinity of Lop Nur. Although the animal's range has shrunk since the species was discovered in 1877, it still encompasses about 155 000 km 2. Research on camels in the Gobi Park during the 1980s revealed a population of 500–600 camels that probably is in slow decline. Young comprised an average of only 4·6 (2·5–9·3)% of the total population between 1982 and 1989, suggesting poor survival. Wolves are the principal predators on camels. A prolonged drought which has concentrated camels around a few water sources may facilitate predation. The status and distribution of camels in China is still imperfectly known. Around 500 animals may persist in the country, but their future is threatened by hunting, settling of oases by pastoralists, and by hybridization with domestic camels.