Wild Camels Research Articles

Meeting your ancestors – Sticks, stones, and discord in Earth’s outposts

An unusual problem at the extreme edges of Earth involves marginalized people and associated livelihoods when their domestic stock is lost to wild ancestors. Animosity to wildlife results due to economic costs, personal injury, and death. Despite IUCN recognition of biodiversity at a policy front, justice and equity for humans have not been well integrated in these realms. In particular, Tibetans, Uyghurs, Changpas, Nepalis, Bhutanese, and Brokpa, as well as Mongolians in the Gobi Desert deal with these realities when the wild progenitors of their livestock attempt to appropriate genetically-related domestic females to biologically propagate. Among the highly endangered ancestors are the likes of wild camels, wild yaks, banteng, and gaur. Beyond Asia, some similarity of issues still thwart African, and South and North American pastoralists and involve species from caribou and bison to wild sheep and goats, and guanacos. Biologically reality has trumped our evolutionary innovation to benefit ourselves through domestication because of the powerful mutual attraction between descendent domestics and their wild ancestors. Conservation biologists and on-the-ground practitioners must engage more with local pastoralists to tackle these complex and infrequently described conflicts on how best to implement protective policies. Sticks and stones are neither the answer for pastoral safety nor for avoiding introgression among these iconic mammals.

Large-scale application of palaeoproteomics (Zooarchaeology by Mass Spectrometry; ZooMS) in two Palaeolithic faunal assemblages from China.

The application of Zooarchaeology by Mass Spectrometry (ZooMS) on Pleistocene sites in Europe and northern Asia has resulted in the discovery of important new hominin fossils and has expanded the range of identified fauna. However, no systematic, large-scale application of ZooMS on Palaeolithic sites in East Asia has been attempted thus far. Here, we analyse 866 morphologically non-diagnostic bones from Jinsitai Cave in northeast China and Yumidong Cave in South China, from archaeological horizons dating to 150-10 ka BP. Bones from both sites revealed a high degree of collagen preservation and potentially time-related deamidation patterns, despite being located in very distinct environmental settings. At Jinsitai, we identified 31 camel bones, five of which were radiocarbon dated to 37-20 ka BP. All dated specimens correspond to colder periods of Marine Isotope Stages 3 and 2. We regard the presence of camels at Jinsitai as evidence of wild camels being a megafauna taxon targeted, most likely by early modern humans, during their expansion across northeast Asia. This large-scale application of ZooMS in China highlights the potential of the method for furthering our knowledge of the palaeoanthropological and zooarchaeological records of East Asia.

A Study of the Genetic Structure of Hybrid Camels in Kazakhstan.

Camel farming is gaining scientific interest due to its unique agricultural characteristics. Camels are versatile for milk and meat production, wool, racing, transport, and tourism. To use their full potential, it is essential to improve our understanding of the genetic structure of these animals. One-humped and two-humped camels have received detailed genetic descriptions, while there is no such information for their hybrids, which outperform their parent species in several agricultural characteristics. Thus, in this study, for the first time, the whole genome sequencing data (WGS) of five hybrid camels bred in the Almaty region of Kazakhstan are presented in comparison with the WGS data of one-humped, two-humped, and wild camels. A total of 43,552,164 single-nucleotide polymorphisms were found across the studied groups. Further comparison of these SNPs showed the following number of private SNPs among the populations: hybrid camels (3,271,083), wild camels (2,515,591), Bactrians (1,244,694), and dromedaries (531,224). The genetic structure of the studied animals was described, and a phylogenetic tree was built to assess their genetic distance. It was found that the studied hybrids are genetically closer to dromedaries since they were on the close branch of the phylogenetic tree.

Characterization and genetic diversity of MHC class II DRB genes in the Arabian camel (Camelus dromedarius).

This study investigated the MHC DRB genes in the Arabian camel (Camelus dromedarius). The results revealed the presence of - at least - two transcribed DRB-like genes in chromosome 20, designated MhcCadr-DRB1 and MhcCadr-DRB2. These genes are 155Kb apart, have similar gene structure, and are transcribed in opposite directions. Compared to DRB1, the DRB2 locus contains a deletion of 12 nucleotides in the second exon (270bp), exhibits lower transcript abundance, and is expressed as two splice variants differing by exon 2 skipping. This gene seems to be of minor functional relevance in the dromedary camel. Conversely, the DRB1 is thought to be the main gene in this species showing higher transcript abundance and polymorphism levels. A total of seven DRB1 exon 2 alleles were identified in the Tunisian dromedary camel resulting from 18 amino acid substitutions. Six full length alleles were characterized at the mRNA level. Although there is no clear evidence for balancing selection (i.e., heterozygote advantage), signals of weak historical positive selection acting on the DRB1 gene were detected, as indicated by the limited number of the sites being positively selected. This trend might be related to the low exposure to pathogens and to the demographic history of the species. Comparative analysis with Bactrian and wild camel genomes suggested occurrence of trans species polymorphism (TSP) in the Camelus genus. The results lay the foundation for the MHC DRB1 genetic diversity analysis in this genus since the developed genotyping protocols are fully applicable in the three Camelus species.

What's in a name? Common name misuse potentially confounds the conservation of the wild camel Camelus ferus

AbstractCommon names allow species diversity to be acknowledged by experts and non-specialists alike; they are descriptors with both scientific and cultural implications. However, a lack of clarity when using a common name could risk altering perceptions of threatened species. This is the case for the Critically Endangered wild camel Camelus ferus, which, despite extensive evidence of its species status, is frequently referred to in English as wild Bactrian camel. However, the wild camel (Mongolian: хавтгай, khavtgai; Chinese: 野骆驼, ye luo tuo) is not a wild version of the domestic Bactrian camel Camelus bactrianus but a separate species near extinction, with an estimated population of c. 950. Failure to clearly separate Bactrian and wild camels in name risks masking the plight of the few remaining wild camels with the visible abundance of the domesticated species. Here we advocate the use of the accurate English common name wild camel for C. ferus ideally alongside its Indigenous names to correctly represent its cultural and conservation importance.

Genetic Diversity of the Mongolian Bactrian Camel Based on Mitochondrial Sequences

Current genetic diversity of 5 local breeds of Mongolian camels and 2 samples of Camelus ferus was studied and compared their levels of variability. DNA was extracted using Qiaamp® DNA kit (Qiagen) and amplified mtDNA D-loop control region from 36 blood samples of Mongolian Bactrian camels and 2 from Mongolian Camelus ferus. Three common haplotypes (H1, H2, H6) and 4 unique haplotypes (H3, H4, H5, H8) revealed in the population of domestic camels based on the mitochondrial DNA region. For the further study we carried out best result 26 sequences. We did not find high inbreeding levels in the different breeds. The phylogenetic analysis suggested that domestic and wild camels have two distinct lineages.

Assessing the vulnerability and adaptation strategies of wild camel to climate change in the Kumtag Desert of China

Climate change has been regarded as one of the major threats to endangered species, and offers a wide variety of challenges to current conservation strategies. Assessing species’ vulnerability to climate change is a critical initial step for improving in-situ conservation planning. In this study, we used MaxEnt to predict the impacts of climate change on habitat suitability for wild camel (Camelus ferus) in the Kumtag Desert both during the current period and projected into the 2050 s. Our results showed that (i) suitable habitat for wild camel was predicted to decrease by 43.81% by the 2050 s; (ii) currently established nature reserves protected 57.86% of currently suitable habitat; (iii) 44.15% of currently suitable habitat was predicted to be vulnerable to future climate change, with a minor increase in newly suitable habitat by the 2050 s; (iv) climate refuge areas amounted to 21,601 km2 and were mainly located in the core area of the desert. Given these results, we propose conservation implications to mitigate the impacts of climate change on wild camel, including intergrating the suitable habitat into the planning of a proposed national park, constructing habitat corridors, restoring water sources, and implementing long-term monitoring.

Degradation of the Indospicine Toxin from Indigofera spicata by a Mixed Population of Rumen Bacteria.

The leguminous plant species, Indigofera linnaei and Indigofera spicata are distributed throughout the rangeland regions of Australia and the compound indospicine (L-2-amino-6-amidinohexanoic acid) found in these palatable forage plants acts as a hepatotoxin and can accumulate in the meat of ruminant livestock and wild camels. In this study, bovine rumen fluid was cultivated in an in vitro fermentation system provided with Indigofera spicata plant material and the ability of the resulting mixed microbial populations to degrade indospicine was determined using UPLC–MS/MS over a 14 day time period. The microbial populations of the fermentation system were determined using 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing and showed distinct, time-related changes occurring as the rumen-derived microbes adapted to the fermentation conditions and the nutritional substrates provided by the Indigofera plant material. Within eight days of commencement, indospicine was completely degraded by the microbes cultivated within the fermenter, forming the degradation products 2-aminopimelamic acid and 2-aminopimelic acid within a 24 h time period. The in vitro fermentation approach enabled the development of a specifically adapted, mixed microbial population which has the potential to be used as a rumen drench for reducing the toxic side-effects and toxin accumulation associated with ingestion of Indigofera plant material by grazing ruminant livestock.

The wild camel (Camelus ferus) in China: Current status and conservation implications

The wild camel (Camelus ferus) is a critically endangered species found in extremely arid environments of Central Asia. The wild camel population and its distribution areas have decreased significantly since the middle of the 19th century. The species is now restricted to four isolated habitats in China and Mongolia, and more than 20 years have passed since the most recent surveys of its status and distribution. In an effort to get more current information, we conducted ground surveys, coupled with ad-libitum interviews of local residents, in the geographic range of wild camels in China from 2011 to 2013. We aim to present the most up to date status and distribution of wild camels and provide effective management and conservation strategies. We identified three subpopulations (Taklimakan Desert, Kumtagh Desert, border area of China and Mongolia). The wild camel population in the Kumtagh Desert was found to be stable and relatively dense, likely due to large areas of protected habitat. Camel presence in the Taklimakan Desert was further south than previously reported, indicating an expansion or range shift in distribution that may have been driven by high levels of anthropogenic disturbance. No signs of camels were found in the border area, likely due to a substantial border fence that impedes animal movement. Protected areas appear to work at improving camel populations and will be imperative for their persistence across their currently known range. Continued monitoring is needed to deduce camel movement, and connectivity between China and Mongolia improved. We also recommend surveys in the very near future to determine how populations may have changed since the surveys presented herein were undertaken.

近40年野骆驼历史分布区土地利用变化及生境破碎化驱动因素

野骆驼是中亚地区重要的迁徙物种，历史上完整、连续的野骆驼栖息地目前已成为孤岛状。为了解野骆驼历史分布区受人类活动的影响，明确造成其历史分布区破碎化的驱动因素，研究选取土地利用和道路两个因素，通过对近40年来的野骆驼历史分布区土地利用变化和动态度分析，以及道路密度和影响域计算，定量评估野骆驼历史分布区景观格局，以期为野骆驼栖息地整体连通性的改善，避免或缓解线性基础设施建设对野骆驼栖息地的影响提供科学的建议。结果表明：（1）近40年，野骆驼历史分布区内以未利用土地和草地为主体的格局保持不变，尤其是沙地、戈壁为主的未利用土地始终占比很大（>80%）；（2）野骆驼历史分布区范围内道路密度为0.0410 km/km²，但道路的阻隔作用明显，野骆驼当前分布区呈3个孤岛的格局与道路隔离形成的景观格局是一致的；（3）野骆驼历史分布区斑块数为914个，西部历史分布区斑块数为78个，远低于中部的373个和东部的463个，斑块数和平均斑块面积两个景观指数表明西部的栖息地破碎化程度比中部和东部栖息地要低；（4）从最大斑块指数来看，残存的大面积、无路区斑块是当前野骆驼种群得以存续的庇护所。根据当前的景观格局和破碎化状况，西部分布区和中部分布区间通过实施科学的栖息地连通和廊道建设规划，将极有可能实现两个孤立种群的交流连通，中部分布区和东部分布区间种群已基本无连通的可能。建议将更多的保护资源和努力投入到西部和中部分布区种群的维持和连通。在未来的道路规划建设和布局中，要考虑道路规划和建设对野骆驼最小生境面积的影响，并且要将影响评估尺度放大到整个野骆驼历史分布区的尺度上考虑道路的阻隔作用。;The wild camel (Camelus ferus) is an important migratory species in Central Asia. Unfortunately, its historically intact and continuous distribution has become three isolated regions of habitat (western, middle, and eastern region) as a result of human activity. In an effort to better clarify the driving factors of fragmentation, this study calculated the dynamic index of land use change from 1980 to 2018. Specifically, we evaluated the effects of land use via calculation of road density and road-effect zone to evaluate the impact of roadways. The results showed that:(1) in the past 40 years, unused land and grassland in the species' historical distribution range has remained unchanged, especially unused land dominated by sand which accounted for over 80% of the wild camel's historical distribution range. (2) Road density in the historical distribution range was 0.0410 km/km², but road barrier effects were large and consistent with the three isolated habitat regions in the current distribution area. (3) The total number of habitat patches in the historical distribution range of the wild camel was 914. These were comprised of 78 patches in the western region, which was much lower than the 373 and 463 patches in the middle and eastern regions, respectively. The number of patches and mean patch size indicated that the degree of habitat fragmentation in the western region was lower than that of the middle and eastern regions. (4) The largest patch index showed that the remaining large and roadless patches were critical for the survival of the current wild camel population. Present-day landscape fragmentation patterns suggest that the western and middle regions could be connected with corridor construction. However, the results indicate that it would be impossible to connect the middle and eastern regions. We recommend that conservation resources and efforts should focus on population maintenance and connectivity of the western and middle regions. Future road building plans must consider the impact of their construction and barrier effect on wild camel habitat, and decision makers should expand assessment to include the entirely historical distribution range of the wild camel, not just the three current isolated habitat regions.

Quantitative study on the activity rhythm and home range of wild camels (<i>Camelus ferus</i>) in the Kumtag Desert

Quantitative study on the activity rhythm and home range of wild camels (<i>Camelus ferus</i>) in the Kumtag Desert

Nucleotide diversity of functionally different groups of immune response genes in Old World camels based on newly annotated and reference-guided assemblies

BackgroundImmune-response (IR) genes have an important role in the defense against highly variable pathogens, and therefore, diversity in these genomic regions is essential for species’ survival and adaptation. Although current genome assemblies from Old World camelids are very useful for investigating genome-wide diversity, demography and population structure, they have inconsistencies and gaps that limit analyses at local genomic scales. Improved and more accurate genome assemblies and annotations are needed to study complex genomic regions like adaptive and innate IR genes.ResultsIn this work, we improved the genome assemblies of the three Old World camel species – domestic dromedary and Bactrian camel, and the two-humped wild camel – via different computational methods. The newly annotated dromedary genome assembly CamDro3 served as reference to scaffold the NCBI RefSeq genomes of domestic Bactrian and wild camels. These upgraded assemblies were then used to assess nucleotide diversity of IR genes within and between species, and to compare the diversity found in immune genes and the rest of the genes in the genome. We detected differences in the nucleotide diversity among the three Old World camelid species and between IR gene groups, i.e., innate versus adaptive. Among the three species, domestic Bactrian camels showed the highest mean nucleotide diversity. Among the functionally different IR gene groups, the highest mean nucleotide diversity was observed in the major histocompatibility complex.ConclusionsThe new camel genome assemblies were greatly improved in terms of contiguity and increased size with fewer scaffolds, which is of general value for the scientific community. This allowed us to perform in-depth studies on genetic diversity in immunity-related regions of the genome. Our results suggest that differences of diversity across classes of genes appear compatible with a combined role of population history and differential exposures to pathogens, and consequent different selective pressures.

The Holocene humid period in the Nefud Desert: Hunters and herders in the Jebel Oraf palaeolake basin, Saudi Arabia

Archaeological surveys and excavations in the Jebel Oraf palaeolake basin, north-western Saudi Arabia, have identified a well-preserved early- to mid-Holocene landscape. Two types of occupation site can be distinguished: nine small and ephemeral scatters from single occupation phases on the slopes of sand dunes and three hearth sites indicative of repeated occupation on palaeolake shorelines. In addition, 245 rock art panels, 81 cairns, and 15 stone structures were recorded. This diverse dataset provides an opportunity to reconstruct occupation patterns and changes in landscape use. A particularly important site, Jebel Oraf 2, documents two episodes of lake high stands at ca. 6500 BC and 5300 BC, flooding parts of the locality. Neolithic pastoralists likely occupied the site after the end of the wet season, when the terrain was dry. Earlier sites are located in dune embayments some 7–14 m above the shore of the palaeolake. These locations are consistent with hunting strategies identifiable in the rock art that suggest wildlife was ambushed at watering places. Later rock art at Jebel Oraf also documents the hunting of wild camel in the Iron Age. The lithic industries documented in the Jebel Oraf basin support arguments of repeated contact with Levantine populations.

A First Y-Chromosomal Haplotype Network to Investigate Male-Driven Population Dynamics in Domestic and Wild Bactrian Camels.

Polymorphic markers on the male-specific part of the Y chromosome (MSY) provide useful information for tracking male genealogies. While maternal lineages are well studied in Old World camelids using mitochondrial DNA, the lack of a Y-chromosomal reference sequence hampers the analysis of male-driven demographics. Recently, a shotgun assembly of the horse MSY was generated based on short read next generation sequencing data. The haplotype network resulting from single copy MSY variants using the assembly as a reference revealed sufficient resolution to trace individual male lines in this species. In a similar approach we generated a 3.8 Mbp sized assembly of the MSY of Camelus bactrianus. The camel MSY assembly was used as a reference for variant calling using short read data from eight Old World camelid individuals. Based on 596 single nucleotide variants we revealed a Y-phylogenetic network with seven haplotypes. Wild and domestic Bactrian camels were clearly separated into two different haplogroups with an estimated divergence time of 26,999 ± 2,268 years. Unexpectedly, one wild camel clustered into the domestic Bactrian camels’ haplogroup. The observation of a domestic paternal lineage within the wild camel population is concerning in view of the importance to conserve the genetic integrity of these highly endangered species in their natural habitat.

RAD-Seq data advance captive-based conservation of wild bactrian camels (Camelus ferus)

The wild Bactrian camel is one of the world’s rarest and most endangered animals and is facing hybridization threat due to human encroachment. Although captive breeding programs of the wild camel have been undertaken to save it from extinction, to succeed, we need to take into account many factors, e.g., maintain genetic diversity of captive populations similar to that found in wild populations. We applied restriction-site associated DNA sequencing (RAD-Seq) on a captive population in the most important wild camel conservation center in China—Gansu endangered animal conservation center—to investigate the genetic diversity, potential hybridization and inbreeding threats, and thus further guide population management. We sequenced a total of 44 Bactrian camels including 13 wild camels and 31 domestic camels and generated a genome-wide polymorphism dataset with 679,195 high-quality SNPs. This enabled us to detect wild camel individuals with recent genetic introgression from domestic camels. In addition, it revealed that the studied captive population suffers from inbreeding. We therefore suggest practical measures to improve the management of the wild camel and to protect its natural gene pool.

The Seasonal Distribution of Wild Camels (<i>Camelus ferus</i>) in Relation to Changes of the Environmental Conditions in Mongolia

The wild camel (Camelus ferus) is a critically endangered large ungulate, surviving in just three distinct populations located in the Taklamakan Desert, China; deserts near Lop Nuur, China; and in China and Mongolia within and adjacent to Mongolia’s Great Gobi Strictly Protected Area (GGSPA). The population surviving in Mongolia remains poorly researched, but as few as 500 individuals may survive, although its distribution has remained relatively constant over the past 30 - 50 years. This study aimed at identifying potentially important environmental factors that influence the distribution of wild camels in Mongolia and predicting seasonal movement. We predicted distribution by season using presence only data and selected environmental predictors, including land surface temperature, normalized difference vegetation indices (NDVI), water sources, vegetation and soil. Model predictions revealed that land surface temperature in summer correlated significantly with wild camel distribution, with camels occurring in cooler areas. Abundance of biomass did not significantly correlate with camel distribution. Camels occurred in areas with intermediate levels of NDVI in most seasons, implying that they may base foraging decisions on forage quantity, not quality. Positive correlations of camel distribution with higher NDVI in summer (P = 0.03) suggests that they may prefer herbaceous species that appear after rainfall. Models indicate distance to water sources may be critical for camel distribution in all seasons. Camel occurrence correlated with areas containing shallow mountain soils in summer. Camels displayed no significant habitat correlations in other seasons, yet ranges differed among all seasons. Camels used a common region in spring, summer and autumn that we believe represents the core of the species’ annual range. Wild camel distribution during winter varied significantly from other seasons. Our modelling led to a predicted distribution range that was consistent with ranges described by previous research, indicating consistency between survey data and satellite tracking data.

Activity patterns and resource partitioning: seven species at watering sites in the Altun Mountains, China

As part of a larger project to examine the richness and distribution of wildlife in Kumtag Desert area, we conducted camera trapping surveys during the period 2010–2012 at seven watering sites in an arid region of the Altun Mountains in western China. Information on activity patterns of the wild bactrian camel (Camelus ferus), kiang (Equus kiang), goitered gazelle (Gazella subgutturosa), argali (Ovis ammon), blue sheep (Pseudois nayaur), red fox (Vulpes vulpes), and wolf (Canis lupus) was obtained. We found that the wild camel, kiang, goitered gazelle, argali, and blue sheep were predominantly diurnal at watering sites, whereas red fox and wolf were nocturnal. Five herbivores partitioned the use of watering sites in a temporal manner to minimize the risk of predation by carnivores. The wild camel was the dominant herbivorous species at the watering sites. The kiang, goitered gazelle, argali, and blue sheep displayed adaptive water use by altering spatial or temporal patterns based on the presence or absence of wild camel, to minimize the risk of interspecific strife. These results are suggestive of the differences in activity patterns that might modulate water partitioning by different species, and provide insights for the development of conservation strategies for integrated species and decisions regarding water development in the Altun Mountains.

Reproductivity of captive wild bactrian camels (camelus, przewalskii, 1878)

Wild camel is the endangered native species of Central Asia that are found only in the western north of China, and Trans Altai Gobi of Mongolia. In this article was written that the reproductivity of captive wild bactrian camels based on the result and analysis developed at the research center for “Captive Wild camel breeding center”located near administration of Great Gobi Strictly Protected Area “A” part, between 1992 -2015. A gestation age, birth repetition and birth time of female captive wild camels at the breeding center under semi-captive condition have been observed and analysed. According to the research, captive wild camel birth time is started from the last 10 days of March and it finished at the last 10 days of May. Most extensive birth time is April. Captive male wild camel at the breeding center starting to mate at the beginning of January, and finished at the end of February. Therefore, an average gestation period of captive female camels is 400-440 days. However, sometimes, it can fluctuated due to age, fattening, and climate condition. But also birth date of female camels may different because of sex of calf.

Rock art provides new evidence on the biogeography of kudu (Tragelaphus imberbis), wild dromedary, aurochs (Bos primigenius) and African wild ass (Equus africanus) in the early and middle Holocene of north‐western Arabia

AbstractAimOur knowledge of the prehistoric distribution of animal species is so far largely dependent on the location of excavated archaeological and palaeontological sites. In the absence of excavated faunal remains, many species that were present in the Levant and North Africa have been assumed to have been absent on the Arabian Peninsula. Here, we explore representations of four species that were identifiable in the rock art, but had not previously been reported in north‐western Arabia.LocationJubbah and Shuwaymis UNESCO world heritage rock art sites in Ha'il province, north‐western Saudi Arabia.MethodsIn total, the rock art panels surveyed and recorded in Jubbah and Shuwaymis contain 6,618 individual animal depictions. Species were identified based on diagnostic features of the anatomy. The resulting dataset was then compared to the faunal spectrum reported in the (archaeo)zoological literature.ResultsThe rock art dataset provides evidence that the distributions of lesser kudu (Tragelaphus imberbis), wild camel and African wild ass (Equus africanus) extended into the north‐west of Arabia and that the engravers may have had knowledge of aurochs (Bos primigenius).Main conclusionsThe presence of previously undocumented mammal species in Arabia provides new information regarding their distribution, as well as the types of habitat and vegetation that were available in prehistoric landscapes. Moreover, the presence of kudu on the Arabian Peninsula indicates that the identification of palaeo‐distributions based exclusively on faunal remains may miss key species in the Afro‐Eurasian faunal exchange.

Fecal microbiota of three bactrian camels (Camelus ferus and Camelus bactrianus) in China by high throughput sequencing of the V3-V4 region of the 16S rRNA gene

This study aimed to reveal the microbial diversity in the fecal samples of bactrian camels using the 16S rRNA sequencing analysis on the Illumina MiSeq platform. Three fecal samples were collected from two geographical regions in China. Operational taxonomic unit (OTU) clustering was performed by identifying an OTU at 97% sequence identity. The alpha and beta diversities were applied to estimate the differences in microbial diversity among the three fecal samples. Totally, 4409, 3151 and 4075 OTUs in the fecal samples were identified in the Lop Nor wild camel (Camelus ferus), the domestic camel (C. bactrianus) and Dunhuang wild camel (C. ferus), respectively. The majority of bactreria were affiliated with phylum Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes in the three samples. The wild camels had higher gastrointestinal tract microbial diversity than the domestic one, while the microbial composition of the Lop Nor wild camel shared higher similarity with domestic camel at the genus and family levels than that of the Dunhuang wild camel did. Our results may provide a theoretical basis for assessing their health conditions and may thus be useful for protecting the critically endangered species of C. ferus.