Moosa Ali’s Camel

Summary: This chapter deals with a special species of camels called Bactrian camels found in Nubra Valley of Ladakh. Sama came to Nubra to spend her summer vacation with her father, who’s a doctor. They stay in the house of Dixit Dolmas as paying guests. Sama and Dolma become friends, and Dolma tells Sama about Ladakh and her specialities. Dolma takes Sama to the house of Moosa Ali to show her a special camel species called the Bactrian Camel.

Important Questions

Q.1. Where is the Bactrian camel found?
Ans. Bactrian camels are the only truly wild camels which still exist. These herds survive in the Gobi and Taklamakan deserts of Mongolia and China, where they have been heavily hunted for their hide and meat. In Jammu and Kashmir, Bactrian Camel is found in Nubra Valley of Ladakh.

Q. 2. What is the most noticeable feature of the Bactrian camel?
Ans. The two humps are the most noticeable feature of the Bactrian camel. One-humped camels are dromedaries. During cold weather, the Bactrians have thick, long, shaggy coats, which they shed when it gets warmer.

Q. 3. How does the Bactrian Camel adapt itself to different environment?
Ans. The Bactrian Camel has some distinctive features that allow it to adapt to various environments. Long, narrow nostrils, dense eyelashes protect it against sandstorms. During food shortages, its two humps provide it food. Snowshoes prevent it from sinking in the sand. Its different kinds of coats protect it from summer heat and winter.

Q. 4. Is the camel calf happy with Moosa Ali? If yes, why do you think so?
Ans. Yes, the camel calf is very happy with Moosa Ali, because it’s seen clinging to Moosa Ali. It treats him as his mother because he takes proper care of it. After being separated from his herd, Moosa Ali gives the calf a shelter at his home. In fact, he also takes the calf along with him to the herd of Camels but is unable to find his mother. So, he brought it back along with him.

Q. 5. What are the factors responsible for the increase in the population of the Bactrian Camel in Nubra?
Ans. The population of the Bactrian Camel is also declining currently. It is due to the symbiotic or man-animal relationship that there can be an increase in the Population of the Bactrian Camel in Nubra.

Q. 6. Why do Bactrian camels have 2 humps?
Ans. Bactrian camels have two humps – like the letter “B”. The humps are used to store fat that converts to energy when needed. Bactrian camels are shorter and heavier than the one-humped dromedary camels found in Africa and the Middle East.