Wild Bactrian Camels Spotted in Chang’An Village’s Small Mountain Village, Leisurely Feeding in Rapeseed Fields
With curved black horns, thick limbs, and a body of over two meters, a wild Bactrian camel (Camelus ferus) was found near the 210 National Highway, Da’Ping Village, Lu’Tan Street, Chang’An District, Xi’An. It has been regularly foraging and leisurely strolling in the area every day.
On March 11th, the reporter drove for over an hour to Da’Ping Village and saw the large camel resting on a small hillside. The camel stood about 2 meters long with a light golden-yellow coat, with some areas undergoing molting. Its curved black horns added to its imposing appearance. When it saw people, it was initially hesitant but eventually slowly ambled to the roadside vegetable garden, carefully chewing on the leaves, and occasionally raising its head to observe the onlookers.
Chang’An District Natural Forest Protection Project Ranger Deng Xianmin:Villagers frequently encounter wild animals, thus fostering strong protective awareness. Upon discovering the camel, it was reported to Lu’Tan Subdistrict Office and relevant departments. Loving villagers specifically fenced off a patch of rapeseed field near the village for the camel to forage, and the tender leaves of the two rapeseed fields were completely bare.
It is reported that the Bactrian camel is a Level One Protected Animal in China, listed as an endangered species in China’s Red Book by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) and listed as a Precious Species in its Red Book. As the ecological protection of the Qinling Mountains continues to intensify and the ecological environment continues to improve, the beautiful Qinling Mountains have become increasingly attractive habitats and playgrounds for various wild animals.
Chang’An District Natural Forest Protection Project Ranger Deng Xianmin:According to my observation, this is an older Bactrian camel. It forages in the vegetable garden in the morning and afternoon, and rests in the nearby mountains for a few days before going to the river to drink water. Although I have seen Bactrian camels in the mountains from a young age, this is the first time I’ve seen one so close to the village. This is likely due to the ban on farmhouses and the relocation of residents, with fewer idle people and a better ecological environment in the Qinling Mountains, allowing the Bactrian camels to emerge from the deep mountains and approach the village.
As the news of the camel spread
Attracted many citizens to drive to watch and take photos
Sometimes the camel is startled
It doesn't dare to go down to eat leaves
Therefore, we call on everyone to
Do not disturb the camel's peace
Image source: Xi’An Newspaper All-Media Reporter Gao Le Li Ming
