The Wild Bactrian Camel (Camelus ferus) is a species of camelid native to the arid regions of Northwestern China and Southwestern Mongolia in locations such as the Gobi Desert. They are a close relative of the domesticated Bactrian Camel, which were once thought to be genetically evolved from these wild camels. Recent genetic evidence suggests however that they diverged as separate species over 1 million years ago. Both however have two humps, as opposed to the dromedarys, which have only one.
Wild Bactrian camels are critically endangered with a wild population of fewer than 1,100 remaining in the Gobi desert of Mongolia. Their natural enemies are wolves but the greatest threat to their survival is loss of habitat.
Wild Bactrian camels are equipped for living in the harsh desert environment. They store fat in their humps, which supplies energy and hydration. Additionally, they have thick eyelashes to protect their eyes from sand, closable nostrils to keep sand out of their nose, and wide feet to spread out their weight and prevent them from sinking in the sand.