Kharai Camel

March 30, 2023

In a recent report tabled in Gujarat Assembly, the Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG) asked the government to preserve mangroves and save the ‘Kharai’ breed of camels.

About Kharai Camel:

  • They are a rare breed of camel found in the salt marshes of the Kutch district of Gujarat.
  • Their name is derived from the local word khara, meaning saline.
  • It is well adapted to the saline desert environment and is known for its 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.
  • Kharai camels mostly feed on mangroves.
  • They are considered a unique Eco-tonal species as they survive in the dryland ecosystem as well as the coastal ecosystem. 
  • Conservation Status:
    • IUCN: Endangered