Camel Population: The Drowning Ship
- Smriti IASxp
- Jul 7, 2024
- 3 min read
The decline in camel population in India has been noted in the recent livestock censuses. The total camel population has decreased from 400,000 to 252,000 between the 19th (2012) and 20th (2019) Livestock Censuses.
The primary reasons for this decline are:
Mechanization of Agriculture: The increased use of machinery in agriculture has reduced the need for camels.
Improved Infrastructure: Better roads have lessened the dependency on camels for transportation.
Loss of Grazing Lands: Projects like the Indira Gandhi Canal have led to the reduction of grazing lands, which were essential for camels.
Forest Restrictions: Access to forest areas for grazing has been restricted.
Legislation: The Rajasthan Camel Act of 2015 prohibits camel slaughter and restricts inter-state trade and migration of camels.
When the camel was declared a state animal and The Rajasthan Camel (Prohibition of Slaughter and Regulation of Temporary Migration or Export) Act, 2015 came into effect, the camel herders expected to save their camels but has had just the opposite effects.
To counter this decline, various efforts are being made:
Health Camps: In Rajasthan, health camps have been organized to treat camels and train camel rearers.
Camel Milk Products: Initiatives to promote camel milk products like ice cream and flavored milk are underway.
Use of Camel Hair and Dung: Research is being conducted on using camel hair with jute and making handmade papers and bricks from camel dung.
Breeding Programs: In Gujarat, the camel rearing center at Dhori, Kutchh is focusing on increasing camel numbers through pure breeding.
National Livestock Mission (NLM): The Government of India provides assistance under this mission for camel conservation and supports camel breeders through livestock insurance.
Ship of the Desert : Camels
Camels are large, even-toed ungulates known for their distinctive humps on their backs, which store fat that can be converted to water and energy when food is scarce.
Adapted to live in arid environments, camels are highly valued for their ability to endure long periods without water, making them essential for transportation and trade in desert regions
Types of Camels
There are two main species of camels:
Dromedary (Camelus dromedarius):
Hump: One hump
Habitat: Found primarily in the Middle East, North Africa, and the Horn of Africa
Characteristics: Dromedaries are well-suited to hot desert climates and are used primarily for riding and as pack animals. They are also known for their speed and endurance.
Bactrian (Camelus bactrianus):
Humps: Two humps
Habitat: Native to the Central Asian steppes, including regions in Mongolia and China
Characteristics: Bactrian camels are adapted to cold desert climates and are used for heavy load carrying. They have a thick coat that protects them from harsh climates and can survive in both extreme cold and heat.
Camel Breeds in India
India has several native camel breeds, each adapted to specific regional conditions:
Bikaneri:
Found in Rajasthan
Known for its robust build and high milk production
Jaisalmeri:
Native to the Jaisalmer region of Rajasthan
Recognized for its endurance and ability to travel long distances
Kutchi:
Found in Gujarat
Used for both draught and riding purposes
Kharai:
Adapted to both dry land and coastal regions of Gujarat
Known for its ability to swim and forage in the mangroves
Mewari:
Native to the Mewar region of Rajasthan
Smaller in size but known for its agility
Marwari:
Found in the Marwar region of Rajasthan
Used primarily for transportation and agricultural purposes
Jalori:
Found in the Jalor district of Rajasthan
Known for its strength and resilience
Each of these breeds is valued for specific traits, making them integral to the livelihoods of the communities that rear them. Efforts are ongoing to conserve these breeds and promote their use in various sectors such as dairy, transportation, and agriculture
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