The Wild Camel Protection Foundation – Bactrican Camel
The Wild Camel Protection Foundation (WCPF) is a UK-based charity, founded in 1997 by John Hare. The organization’s mission is to protect and conserve the wild Bactrian camel (Camelus ferus), a critically endangered species that inhabits some of the harshest desert regions in the world, in China and Mongolia.
What does WCPF do?
Conservation projects in Mongolia and China – The organization collaborates with local authorities to protect the few remaining wild camels in the Gobi Desert. They have helped establish a protected area in Mongolia known as the Great Gobi A Strictly Protected Area.
Breeding programs – WCPF has set up a breeding and conservation center in Mongolia to help increase the population of wild Bactrian camels.
Education and awareness – The organization works to educate local communities and international audiences about the importance of conserving the species.
Combating threats – Wild camels face multiple threats, including habitat loss, illegal hunting, and radioactive contamination from former nuclear test sites in China.
Why is the wild Bactrian camel important?
The wild Bactrian camel is a unique and rare species, genetically distinct from the domesticated Bactrian camel. It is incredibly resilient, capable of surviving in extreme desert conditions, and is even able to drink water with higher salt content than other mammals can tolerate.
Species status
It is estimated that fewer than 1,000 wild Bactrian camels remain, making it one of the most endangered large mammal species in the world.
WCPF continues to work toward ensuring the species’ survival through protection, breeding programs, and collaboration with international conservation organizations.
Givskud Zoo Nature Foundation – The foundation supports WCPF’s education efforts targeted at local schoolchildren. This includes the development of educational materials and organizing excursions to local camel breeding centers.
Read more:
Website: https://www.wildcamels.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WildCamels
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wildcamels
