2026 Republic Day Parade Features Two Bactrian Camels, Cold-Desert Adapted Species

Two Bactrian camels feature in the 2026 Republic Day Parade. The camels are identified as Bactrian camel (Camelus bactrianus), a cold-desert adapted species. 

Bactrian Camel (Camelus bactrianus) :

Dimension	Key Details
Scientific name	Camelus bactrianus
Name origin	Named after Bactria, an ancient Central Asian region.
Classification	Large, even-toed ungulate.
Habitat	Native to the steppes and arid regions of Central Asia, including the Gobi and Taklamakan deserts.
India presence	About 300–400 exist in India; all are in the Nubra Valley region of Ladakh.
Physical features	Characterised by two humps on its back which store fat.
Climate adaptation	Exhibits thick winter fur and tolerance to extreme temperatures ranging from −30°C to 40°C.
Conservation status	Critically Endangered by the IUCN.