The Bactrian camel (Camelus bactrianus) is a large, even-toed ungulate native to the steppes of Central Asia.It has two humps on its back, in contrast to the single-humped dromedary camel. The Bactrian camels were able to travel long distances without food or water, which was something that was necessary to cross the deserts of Central Asia. The Bactrian Camel is a large animal and one that is often confused with other Camel species. Because of this the Chinese wanted them as they can be useful to carry things and help in trade and also be helpful to army which guards it's borders. Knauer, Elfriede Regina. The Chinese also liked furs but not as much as ginseng. The Camel's Load in Life and Death: Iconography and Ideology of Chinese Pottery Figurines from Han to Tang and Their Relevance to … The Wild Bactrian camel is a separate species and is now critically endangered. The Bactrian camel (Camelus bactrianus) is a large, even-toed ungulate native to the steppes of Central Asia . Bactrain Camels were the natives of Central Asia from the ancient historical region of Bactria. Like the llamas, Bactrian camels are often used for transportation and milk. Did You Know? The Bactrian Camel ranges in colors of brown from light tan to a very dark brown. They are believed to be the first to domesticate them. Unlike Dromedaries, the one-humped species, Bactrian camels are also utilized for their fiber, which can be spun and used for textiles. This Camel is one that the Egyptians relied on for transportation and to help them with hauling goods. The Chinese did, however, want ginseng. "The Role of the Horse in Chinese History," The American Historical Review, LXX/3 (1965): 647-672. Creel, H.G. Spring is also the time when Bactrian camels completely shed their thick dark winter coat, leaving them almost hairless during the hot summer months. They came from Central Asia. They have long hair that is thin and protects them from the hot sun of the desert. Where did Bactrian camels come from and why did the Chinese want them? This particular one has two humps so that helps to reduce the confusion about which group it belongs in. Introduction to Bactrian Camel. Here is a list of eleven things you might not know about the beautiful Bactrian, plus seven general camel facts that also apply to the mammal: The wild Bactrian camel (Camelus bactrianus ferus) is genetically distinct from the domestic Bactrian camel (Camelus bactrianus). The Chinese really did not want anything from other countries except for them to buy their product. The Chinese believed that ginseng had medicinal powers. The silk road was founded by trders who hoped to obtained the rare secretive silk. These herds survive in the Gobi Desert of Mongolia and China. The Chinese wanted it because of its tolerance if cold, drought and high altitudes.