Wild Camel Protection Foundation

International Stud Book, Management Plan and Genetic Testing

When there are limited numbers of a critically endangered species, and only a small number of them held in captivity, for example in zoos or in the wild Bactrian camel captive breeding centre in Mongolia, it is usual and best practice to establish an International Stud Book. In this way, all of the wild Bactrian camels in captivity are identified and an accurate genetic record is kept. As the Wild Camel Protection Foundation has the largest number of wild Bactrian camels in captivity and they are breeding naturally, we have decided to establish an International Stud Book. With the assistance of the Zoological Society of London and following the IUCN guidelines we plan to establish this by May 2007 and have it listed on the website.

Management Plan

In collaboration with the Zoological Society of London, the Wild Camel Protection Foundation is drawing up a long term management plan for the captive wild camel breeding centre at Zakyn Us.

Genetic Research and DNA Testing

Dr Pamela Burger and Katja Silbermayr, two scientists from the Veterinary Faculty of the University of Vienna, are currently involved in a programme of DNA testing and research of wild and captive wild Bactrian camels. This testing, in conjunction with tests carried out by Dr Han Jianlin at the Intentional Livestock Research Institute in Nairobi, Kenya and at Lanzhou University, China, should lead to   comprehensive conclusions of the DNA make-up of the captive wild Bactrian camels at Zakyn Us, Mongolia. It should also illustrate the precise genetic difference between the wild Bactrian and domestic Bactrian camels.