Double-humped Bactrian camels
Why in news?
Double-humped Bactrian camels from Ladakh are making headlines for their debut at India's 77th Republic Day Parade on January 26, 2026, at Kartavya Path in Delhi. These rare camels, recently inducted by the Indian Army, lead an animal contingent highlighting high-altitude heritage and military logistics.​
Key Facts About the Double-Humped Bactrian Camel
- Scientific Name: Camelus bactrianus
- Distinctive Feature: Two humps that store fat, not water.
- Habitat: Harsh cold deserts of Central Asia (Afghanistan, Mongolia, Gobi Desert) and small populations in Ladakh’s Nubra Valley.
- Adaptations:
- Thick shaggy coat for freezing winters.
- Can survive with minimal water and food.
- Eats thorny vegetation and withstands extreme temperature swings.
- Domestication: About 2 million domesticated camels exist worldwide.
- Conservation Status: Wild Bactrian camels are critically endangered, while domesticated ones are more common.
Cultural & Strategic Importance
- In Ladakh: Known as “silent warriors,” they are used for transport and tourism in Nubra Valley.
- Military Role: Recently inducted by the Indian Army’s Remount & Veterinary Corps (RVC) in 2024. They can carry up to 250 kg loads across freezing, oxygen-scarce terrain above 15,000 ft.
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