Hybrid camel

A hybrid camel is a hybrid between a Bactrian camel (Camelus bactrianus) and dromedary (Camelus dromedarius).

Names

Hybrid camels have different names depending on zone and language. Some names include:

• Turkoman
• Tulu
• Bukht
• Nar
• Iner
• Iver
• Majen
• Bertuar
• Yaml
• Dromano
• Dromel

Classification

Generally a Camelus bactrianus × Camelus dromedarius hybrid is called an F1. It usually has a single large hump, sometimes slightly divided, and is larger than both parents, reaching 230 cm at the shoulder and up to 1000 kg. This type of camel is extremely strong and is useful for hard work such as plowing and carrying loads. It was also used in war by the Ottoman Turks. It is generally docile and tame. It is fertile.

Pure camel hybrids are mostly found in Russia, Iran, Afghanistan, and Turkey; but they can be found in Saudi Arabia, Turkmenistan and Kazakhstan as well.

The F1 can be further hybridized. An F1 female can mate with a male Bactrian camel: the result is a B1 backcross Bactrian. It generally has two humps and is faster than a common Bactrian and stronger than a dromedary. It can walk over snow, ice, and mud and is suitable even for mountain trails; this type can be found mostly in Kazakhstan.

When an F1 female mates with a dromedary, the result is an B1 backcross dromedary, a slightly stronger dromedary and a rare type nowadays.

References

External links

• Bactrian Camels and Bactrian-Dromedary Hybrids

• Intact Ottoman 'war camel' found in Austrian cellar