Camels (extant/living species; Camelus spp.): Reproduction & Development

Male

• Experiences rut in cooler / wetter seasons (greatest availability of food)
  • Peak rut in the Gobi: late January/February
• Develops a dulaa (sack-like extension of the soft palate).
  • Triggered by rising testosterone levels
  • Used to produce a mating call: male blows through the dulaa to push it outside the mouth (looks like a red balloon) and uses saliva to create a low gurgle.
  • Size of dulaa indicates male's virility to female
• Marks territory with secretions from poll glands (on back of neck, between ears).
  • Rub necks on any solid object.
• Urinates on own tail and swishes it over its back
  • Urine contains female-attracting pheromones.
• Exhibits aggression toward other males.
• Becomes extremely active - collects a harem with as many as 10-20 females (Bannikov, 1976)

Female

• Undergoes estrous cycle in breeding season: receptive 3-4 days, non-receptive following 10 days.
• Bleats to indicate receptive.
• Approaches male, presenting hind quarters.
  • Urinates constantly.
  • Flips tail up and down – short quick movements.
• Dulaa also present in females but never extruded.
  

Reproduction

• Only ungulate that copulates in a “sitting” position.
• Reproduction rate: 2 year interval (minimum).

Gestation

• ~1 year (12-14 months).
• No reports of twins.
• Most young born at end of March / April.

Birth

• Female becomes restless, and separates from the other animals.
  
• Calf size dependent on the size of its parents. ~35 (25 kg – 52 kg) males larger than females.
  
• Front legs of calf appear first - then head.
  
• Calf’s drop to the ground breaks umbilical cord.
  
• Only ungulates that do not lick and clean baby. Sniff extensively and help the calf find milk.
  
• Mother is protective – won’t accept orphaned young (these must be hand-raised)
  

Infant (< 1 year old)

• Precocious young – stand and walk shortly after birth.

Juvenile

• Starts to eat grass around 2 - 3 months old.
• Weaning at 1-2 years.

Adult

• Reach adulthood: females ~3-4 years, males around ~5-6 years.

(Franklin 2011)

Bactrian camel

• Up to 35 years

Dromedary camel

• Wild/feral animals: 20-35 years in the wild
• Domestic animals: maximum of 40-50 years

A female camel is pregnant for at least a year.

Image credit: © San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance. All rights reserved.

Bannikov (1976)
Franklin (2011)
Yagil (2006)