THE WILD BACTRIAN CAMEL CAMELUS-BACTRIANUS FERUS IN CHINA - THE NEED FOR URGENT ACTION

Between 31 March and 28 May 1995 and 5 April and 2 May 1996 two expedi tions carried out surveys of the status and distribution of the wild B actrian camel Camelus bactrianus ferus in the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomou s Region and Gansu Province in the People's Republic of China, the las t known habitat of the subspecies in the country. The surveys revealed that the wild camel is highly endangered in China, due to illegal min ing and hunting. An estimated total of 380-500 individuals remain and immediate action is needed to ensure their survival.