Bactrian Camel (Wildlife by CollectA)

Review and images by Suspsy; edited by bmathison1972

The Bactrian camel (Camelus bactrianus) of Central Asia is the largest living member of the camelid family (although the dromedary is taller). An adult male averages around 600 kg (1323 lbs) in weight, but can achieve up to 1000 kg (2204 lbs). It can immediately be recognized by its thick, shaggy coat and the presence of two humps on its back as opposed to the short fur and single hump of the dromedary. Indeed, an easy way to remember the difference between the two is the dromedary has a D-shaped back while the Bactrian has a B-shaped back. Clever!

The CollectA Bactrian camel came out in 2017. It is a reasonably large figure at about 12.5 cm long and 9 cm in height. It is posed in a walking stance with its left front limb forward and its head raised high and turned slightly to look to the right. As with most of CollectA’s mammal figures, this individual represents a mature male. It is also specifically a domestic Bactrian camel as opposed to the critically endangered wild Bactrian camel (C. ferus).

This camel is done up in a range of browns, from medium on the flanks to light on the lower limbs and to dark on the mane. Dark grey is applied to the muzzle as well as the claws and the eyes are glossy black. The coats on real Bactrian camels vary greatly in coloration from light beige to very dark brown, so the figure scores high in this category.

It scores even higher in both terms of sculpting and accuracy. The limbs are long and slim, but muscular as well, and terminate in wide, two-toed feet. The two humps on the back are thick and erect, indicating that this individual has been feeding well. And the fur covering the body looks appropriately shaggy, particularly on top of the head and hanging down from the neck.

All of these attributes are essential, for the Bactrian camel lives in some of the harshest regions on Earth. The weather can range from -40 degrees Celsius and blinding snowstorms to 40 degrees Celsius and stinging sandstorms! Fortunately, the camel can consume practically any plant matter, and will also consume animal matter if needs be. It can go months without water and is one of the few known animals that eats snow when no water can be found. On top of that, it has excellent vision and smell, can run up to 65 km/hour, and can carry 250 kg of cargo on its back. In short, it is one of the toughest mammals alive!

The CollectA Bactrian camel is a magnificently crafted toy and as far as I can tell, the best rendition of this animal currently available. Strongly recommended.