Bactrianary

Discovery LocationGobi Desert, Mongolian Border

Lead ResearcherDr. Batbayar Tseden

Field Report Summary

Physical Description

Large flightless bird, approximately 6 feet tall. Retains the two prominent humps of a Bactrian camel, covered in coarse, sandy-colored feathers instead of fur. Long, powerful legs with two-toed, padded feet. Feathery neck. Small, vestigial wings unsuitable for flight. Possesses thick, leathery eyelids to protect against sandstorms. Beak is broad and slightly flattened, resembling a camel's muzzle.

Habitat

Arid deserts and semi-arid grasslands

Dietary Behavior

Herbivorous, consumes desert shrubs and tough grasses.

Evolutionary Origin

A consequence of horizontal gene transfer from a now-extinct species of flightless bird to Bactrian camels, resulting in a camel with vestigial wings and a significantly faster running speed.

Behavioral Notes

Uses its small wings to generate bursts of speed when escaping predators or during territorial disputes.