Wild Camels Not so Wild

Each year, WCS scientists author or co-author nearly 300 peer-reviewed studies and papers. “WCS 3 Sentence Science” is a regular tip-sheet – in bite sized helpings – of some of this published work.

1. Researchers investigated male lineages of both wild and domestic bactrian camels (Camelus bactrianus) for the first time. 
2. They found that wild and domestic camels were clearly separated into two different genetic populations that share a common ancestor, though they found a domestic paternal lineage within one wild camel – concerning given the importance to conserve the genetic integrity of these highly endangered species in their natural habitat. 
3. The research provides a baseline that will help conserve the integrity of the highly endangered wild two-humped camel gene pool. 
WCS Media Contact:  Stephen Sautner, 7182203682, [email protected]

Study and Journal:  “A first Y-chromosomal haplotype network to investigate male-driven population dynamics in domestic and wild bactrian camels “   from  Frontiers in Genetics 
WCS Co-Author(s):  Cristian Walzer , Executive Director Wildlife Health, Wildlife Health Program