October 2008 The Wild Camel Protection Foundation is pleased to announce that it has received conclusive proof of the genetic distinctiveness of the wild Bactrian camel (Camelus bactrianus ferus) Following extensive tests on wild Bactrian camel flesh, hair and faeces sent by WCPF from China and Mongolia Katya Silbermayr of the Institute of Animal Breeding and Genetics, University of Veterinary Medicine (www.vu-wien/ac/at) Vienna, Austria has issued the statement below:

The findings have been truly remarkable. Each skin sample has shown two or three genetic differences to the domestic Bactrian camel and a 3% base difference.

WCPF has already been instrumental in persuading the Chinese Government to establish the Lop Nur Wild Camel National Nature Reserve (155,000 sq kilometres) in Xinjiang and acts as the sole international consultant to this key reserve. As wild Bactrian camels are a migratory species WCPF is working tirelessly to forge links and encourage dialogue between Chinese and Mongolian scientists.

The wild Bactrian camel is on the very edge of extinction and is listed as the eight most endangered species in the world.

In Mongolia WCPF has established a Mongolian WCPF NGO and has inaugurated a captive breeding programme at Zakhyn-Us that has already excited considerable interest amongst geneticists and those working in the field of Critically Endangered species. Outside of Mongolia and China there are no wild Bactrian camels in captivity. Since 2004 the number of camels in the programme has risen from 12 to 21. This breeding centre is the only one of its kind in the world and its important work is now vital in helping preserve the distinct genetic make-up of the wild Bactrian camel. WCPF is currently working in conjunction with the Zoological Society of London and the Mongolian Ministry of Nature and the Environment to investigate the possibility of releasing a small herd of wild Bactrian camels into an area of Mongolia where this species were present a century ago.

With fewer than a thousand wild Bactrian camels left in the world there is growing international recognition of the importance of the captive breeding programme.

A female and infant wild Bactrian camel photographed by John Hare, Founder of WCPF

The exciting news of the distinctive genetic nature of this species means that the work of The Wild Camel Protection Foundation is now more important than ever.

Press Release issued on 3rd October 2008
The Wild Camel Protection Foundation
www.wildcamels.com

For further information about WCPF, please contact Mark Jones (Communication & Fundraising Co-ordinator) on 07989362286 or via harecamel@aol.com

John Hare, the Founder of WCPF can be contacted at School Farm, Benenden, Kent TN17 4EU. Tel 01580 241132 or via harecamel@aol.com