Source: TOI
Context: A herd of 33 rare Kharai camels from Gujarat’s Singach village was caught in the Arabian Sea tide near Jamnagar while grazing on mangroves.
About Kharai camels:
- What is the Kharai Camel?
- Kharai camel is a rare swimming camel breed of Gujarat, uniquely adapted to coastal and marshy ecosystems. It is India’s ninth recognized camel breed, known for foraging in saline environments.
- Habitat and Distribution:
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- Native to Kutch region of Gujarat, especially Bhachau, Abdasa, Lakhpat, and parts of Devbhoomi Dwarka and Jamnagar.
- Approximately 4,000 Kharai camels are found in Gujarat, with 2,000 in coastal Kutch alone.
- Inhabits mangrove islands and swims through shallow sea water to graze.
- Origin and Cultural Link:
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- Closely associated with the Rabari and Fakirani Jat communities, who manage them through traditional pastoral systems.
- Maldharis are a pastoralist community of Gujarat, meaning “owner of livestock”.
- They traditionally rear Kharai camels, cattle, and goats in Kutch and Gir forest regions.
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- The word ‘Kharai’ comes from Gujarati ‘khara’ meaning salty, referring to their saline habitat.
- Key Characteristics:
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- Swimming Ability: Can swim up to 3 km in the Arabian Sea to access mangrove grazing grounds.
- Adapted Physiology: Can survive on saline vegetation, unlike most camel breeds.
- Dromedary Type: Single-humped, muscular, and can weigh up to 500 kg.
- Monsoon Migration: Moves to mangrove islands during the rainy season for weeks.
- Diet Specialisation: Primarily feeds on mangroves, a rare trait among camelids.
- Significance and Conservation Importance:
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- Ecological Role: Maintains balance in fragile coastal ecosystems through sustainable grazing.
- Cultural Heritage: Embodies the indigenous pastoral economy and resilience of nomadic life.
- Climate Resilience: Represents climate-adapted livestock vital for climate-smart agriculture.
