What's in a name? Common name misuse potentially confounds the conservation of the wild camel <i>Camelus ferus</i>

Abstract Common names allow species diversity to be acknowledged by experts and non-specialists alike; they are descriptors with both scientific cultural implications. However, a lack of clarity when using common name could risk altering perceptions threatened species. This is the case for Critically Endangered wild camel Camelus ferus , which, despite extensive evidence its status, frequently referred in English as Bactrian camel. (Mongolian: хавтгай, khavtgai ; Chinese: 野骆驼, ye luo tuo ) not version domestic bactrianus but separate near extinction, an estimated population c. 950. Failure clearly camels risks masking plight few remaining visible abundance domesticated Here we advocate use accurate C. ideally alongside Indigenous correctly represent conservation importance.