Kharai camel: The endangered swimming camel of Gujarat’s saline desert - ecological adaptations, cultural significance, and growing importance in the dairy industry
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Abstract
The Kharai camel, indigenous to Gujarat, derives its name from the local term “Khara,” meaning saline, reflecting its adaptability to both desert and coastal ecosystems. Known as the “Swimming Camel,” it can traverse long distances across water and has been preserved by the Rabari and Fakirani Jat tribes for over 400 years. Currently, about 6,200 Kharai camels exist, primarily in Kutch, where they play a crucial role in local ecosystems, particularly in maintaining mangrove forests. However, industrial activities and climate change threaten their habitat and survival, prompting conservation efforts by organizations like Sahjeevan. Recent genetic studies have recognized the Kharai camel as a distinct breed, highlighting its unique traits. The camel’s milk, rich in nutrients and with potential therapeutic benefits, is gaining popularity in health markets. Protecting the Kharai camel is essential not only for biodiversity but also for sustaining the livelihoods and cultural heritage of the communities that depend on it.
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