Bactrian Camels Steal the Spotlight at Republic Day Parade

Two majestic Bactrian camels (Camelus bactrianus), named ‘Galwan’ and ‘Nubra’, walked down Kartavya Path during the Republic Day Parade this year as part of the ‘Animal Contingent’. The camels are named after the Galwan Valley and Nubra Valley in Ladakh, India’s only region where this rare double-humped camel species is found.

Camelids: Diversity Within the Family
The current family of large camelids comprises three genera and seven species. The genus Camelus includes:

• Dromedary camel (Camelus dromedarius) – the single-humped or Arabian camel
• Bactrian camel (Camelus bactrianus) – the double-humped camel
• Wild camel (Camelus ferus) – recently recognised as a distinct species

Genetic studies have established that Camelus ferus is not merely a wild ancestor of the Bactrian camel, but a separate species, showing clear divergence at the genomic level.

Geographical Spread in India

• Bactrian camels are found only in Ladakh, adapted to its cold desert conditions.
• Dromedary camels inhabit western and north-western India, particularly Rajasthan and Gujarat, where hot arid climates prevail.

Origins of the Name ‘Bactrian’
The term “Bactrian” traces its roots to the ancient region of Bactria, corresponding to modern-day Balkh in northern Afghanistan.

• Known as ‘Tokharistan’ in medieval times
• Referred to as ‘Bahlika’ or ‘Tushara/Tukhara’ in ancient Sanskrit sources