Distribution and Population

The camels are widely distributed across Asia and Africa. Currently, the dromedaries are the most widespread species, with the total population of around 13 million animals. Bactrian camels are significantly rarer, totaling around 1.3 million animals. Interestingly, despite their scarcity compared to dromedaries, Bactrian species still exist in its wild form in some regions of the Gobi desert. The population is scarce, counting around 600 animals, and is steadily decreasing. Because of this, the Evolutionarily Distinct and Globally Endangered project declared them one of the ten focal species in 2007 (“Bactrian Camel” par. 2). The dromedaries also occur in the wild, but unlike the Bactrian camels, are feral animals. The populations of feral camels exist throughout the world, with a notable example of Australia, where they were introduced in the 19th century. Since then, the population of feral camels in Australia peaked in 2008 with estimated one million animals but have since decreased due to the government programs. The Australian camel population includes both dromedaries and Bactrian camels, with the approximately same ratio, where the latter comprise less than 10%