Kharai camel

Why in news?

• Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG) in its report tabled in the Gujarat Assembly has asked the government to preserve mangroves and save the ‘Kharai’ breed of camels.

What did the CAG report find?

• CAG has found that nearly 117 hectares of mangroves have been destroyed.
• The destruction of these mangroves in CRZ (Coastal Regulatory Zone) areas not only proves costly to ecosystems but also poses a threat of extinction to a unique breed of ‘Kharai’ camels which are dependent on the mangroves for their food.

About Kharai camel:

• The Kharai are a rare breed of camel found in the salt marshes of the Kutch district in the western state of Gujarat.
• They are well adapted to the saline desert environment and are known for their ability to swim (hence also known as ‘swimming camel’).
• They swim long distances in the sea to reach their grazing areas, usually more than 3 km at a time, even in deep waters.
• They eat large volumes of mangroves or saline plant species. They live in a dual ecosystem of land and coast and are found only in Gujarat.
• Given the breed’s ability to survive both on land and sea, the Kharai camel is one of the most preferred choices of graziers in the arid coastal region of Kachchh.
• People consume its milk. While male calves are sold for economic returns, females are not sold because they are considered sacred.

Add ons:

• The Kharai was recognised as a separate breed in 2015 by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR).

PRACTICE QUESTION

UPSC 2016

What is/are the unique about the ‘Kharai Camel’ a breed found in India

1. It is capable of swimming up three kilometers in seawater

2. Its survives by grazing on mangroves

3. It lives in the wild and cannot be domesticated

Select the correct answer using the code given below.

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 3 only

(c) 1 and 3 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

Answer