Disclaimer: Fact sheets on prehistoric (extinct) species contain archived content and are no longer being updated. At the time of publication, these pages summarized the best available science. However, some content may become outdated as scientists report new discoveries.
| Taxonomy | Physical Characteristics |
|---|---|
|
Kingdom: Animalia Phylum: Chordata Class: Mammalia Order: Artiodactyla Family: Camelidae Subfamily: Camelinae Tribe: Lamini Species: Camelops hesternus - Western Camel (extinct) |
Body weight: estimated up to 800 kg (1764 lb) Shoulder height: 2.2 m (7 ft) Tail length: short tail Pelage: Not known; perhaps like modern camels |
| Distribution & Status | Behavior & Ecology |
|
Distribution: central and western North America Habitat: open spaces and dry land Status: went extinct by 10,000 years ago |
Locomotion: characteristic camel pacing gait suggested Social Groups: not known Diet: grazing/browsing herbivores Predators: American lions, sabertooth cats, dire wolves |
| Reproduction & Development | Species Highlights |
| Longevity: not known, but fossils of old-age individuals have been discovered.. | Feature Facts: Camels were hoofed natives of North America.Their family's evolutionary history on this continent began in the Eocene Epoch at least 45 million years ago only to become locally extinct a mere 11,000 years ago. |
© 2009 San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance
How to cite: Extinct Western Camel (Camelops hesternus) Fact Sheet. c2009. San Diego (CA): San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance; [accessed YYYY Mmm dd]. http://ielc.libguides.com/sdzg/factsheets/ extinctwesterncamel
(note: replace YYYY Mmm dd with date accessed, e.g., 2015 Sep 10)
Disclaimer: Although San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance makes every attempt to provide accurate information, some of the facts provided may become outdated or replaced by new research findings. Questions and comments may be addressed to library@sdzwa.org.
