This article summarizes a recent scientific study published in the journal Acta Ethologica by Martina Sihelská and colleagues (Martina Sihelská, Anna Bernátková, Adiya Yadamsuren, Tamara Fedorova & Martina Komárková. Parturition in the wild camel (Camelus ferus): the first in situ recorded observation. Acta Ethologica. 2026; 29(10). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10211-026-00483-5).
The Wild Camel (Camelus ferus) is one of the rarest large mammals on Earth, surviving only in remote desert regions of Mongolia and China. With an estimated global population of around one thousand individuals, the species is listed as Endangered. Despite its remarkable adaptations to extreme desert environments, the Wild Camel remains one of the least studied camel species in the world. Because these animals inhabit vast and remote landscapes such as the Gobi Desert, direct observations of their natural behavior are extremely rare. Many aspects of their life history, including reproduction and maternal care, have long remained poorly understood.
A recent scientific study has now provided an extraordinary breakthrough: the first detailed observation of a Wild Camel giving birth in its natural habitat. This rare event offers scientists valuable insight into the reproductive behavior of one of the world’s most elusive desert animals.
Observation in the Gobi Desert
The birth was observed in April 2025 in the Great Gobi A Strictly Protected Area in southwestern Mongolia, one of the last remaining strongholds of the Wild Camel population. The researcher, Martina Sihelská, monitoring the area encountered a 13-year-old female camel that appeared close to giving birth. To avoid disturbing the animal, researcher observed the process from approximately 25 meters away while carefully documenting her behavior.
Earlier in the day, the female showed several signs indicating that labor was approaching. She appeared restless, frequently standing up and lying down, and occasionally walked short distances before settling again. These behaviors are typical signs that birth is imminent.
The Birth Process
Active labor began later in the day when the female lay down on the desert ground. The delivery process itself lasted approximately 35 minutes. When the calf finally emerged, it rested briefly on the ground before beginning to move.
Despite the harsh desert environment, the newborn calf quickly demonstrated remarkable strength. Within about 25 minutes, it managed to stand on its legs for the first time, although somewhat unsteadily. Soon afterward, the calf located its mother’s udder and began nursing roughly 37 minutes after birth.
This rapid development is critical for survival. In the open landscapes of the Gobi Desert, newborn animals cannot remain vulnerable for long. Being able to stand, walk, and nurse quickly helps ensure that the calf can stay close to its mother and avoid potential threats.
Maternal Behavior
Following the birth, the mother displayed attentive and protective behavior. She repeatedly approached the calf, sniffing and carefully examining it while remaining alert to the surroundings. Occasionally, she nudged the calf gently, seemingly encouraging it to stand and remain close.
Interestingly, the researcher noted that Wild Camel mothers do not lick their newborns, a behavior commonly observed in many other mammals. The mother also did not consume the placenta. Instead, recognition between mother and calf appears to rely primarily on scent and close physical contact.
The female also demonstrated strong protective instincts. When another camel approached the area, she positioned herself between the newcomer and her calf. Even a nearby goat prompted a defensive response, showing how vigilant mothers are during the vulnerable early period after birth.
Slow Reproduction and Conservation Importance
Wild Camels reproduce very slowly compared with many other large mammals. Females carry their calves for approximately 13 to 14 months and typically give birth to only one calf at a time. Moreover, births do not occur every year; many females reproduce only once every two years.
Because of this slow reproductive cycle, population growth is naturally limited. In wild populations, calves often make up less than ten percent of the total number of animals. This means that every successful birth is extremely important for the survival and recovery of the species.
Why This Discovery Matters
Documenting the birth of a Wild Camel in the wild provides valuable scientific information about the species’ reproductive behavior, maternal care, and early calf development. Such observations are essential for improving conservation strategies.
Wild Camels face numerous threats across their remaining range, including habitat degradation, competition with livestock for water and forage, mining activities, and the increasing impacts of climate change. Because the species reproduces slowly, these pressures can have a significant impact on population recovery.
By understanding how Wild Camels reproduce and raise their young in the wild, conservationists can better identify important breeding habitats and ensure that these critical areas receive proper protection.
A Symbol of Survival in the Desert
Wild Camels are remarkable survivors of one of the harshest environments on Earth. They endure extreme temperature fluctuations, scarce water resources, and vast barren landscapes. Yet despite these extraordinary adaptations, their future remains uncertain.
The observation of this rare birth not only expands scientific knowledge but also highlights the importance of continued conservation efforts. Every new discovery about this elusive species helps strengthen the global effort to protect the Wild Camel and ensure that this ancient survivor of the Gobi Desert continues to roam its natural home for generations to come.