tragocamelus

Tragocamelus is a genus of large, long-legged, long-necked ungulates native to North America. These animals are often referred to as long-horned camels or American camels. Tragocamelus is part of the camel family, Camelidae, and is closely related to the dromedary camel (Camelus dromedarius) and the Bactrian camel (Camelus bactrianus).

The genus Tragocamelus includes several species, the most well-known of which is Tragocamelus horridus, commonly known as the American camel or the long-horned camel. This species is characterized by its long neck, long legs, and distinctive horns that can reach up to 1.5 meters in length. Tragocamelus horridus is believed to have gone extinct around 10,000 years ago, with the last confirmed sighting in 1625.

Other species within the genus Tragocamelus include Tragocamelus major, which was slightly larger than T. horridus, and Tragocamelus major, which was smaller and had shorter horns. These species also went extinct during the Pleistocene epoch.

The extinction of Tragocamelus is thought to be related to the arrival of humans in North America and the subsequent overhunting by early Native American tribes. Climate change may also have played a role in their decline.

Despite their extinction, Tragocamelus species have left a significant mark on the fossil record and have been the subject of extensive scientific study. Their unique adaptations, such as their long legs and long neck, have provided valuable insights into the evolution of large herbivores. Tragocamelus remains an important topic in paleontology and evolutionary biology.