Despite the National Green Tribunal (NGT) orders, illegal salt pans and encroachment of creeks continue to threaten Kachchh’s Kharai camels.
About Kharai camel:
It is indigenous to Gujarat, derives its name from the local term “Khara,” meaning saline, reflecting its adaptability to both desert and coastal ecosystems.
The Kharai is known for its rare ability to swim long distances and graze on mangroves.
The camels swim long distances in the sea to reach its grazing areas, usually more than 3 km at a time even in deep waters.
It has been preserved by the Rabari and Fakirani Jat tribes for over 400 years
These camels exist, primarily in Kutch, where they play a crucial role in local ecosystems, particularly in maintaining mangrove forests.
Kharai camel milk is not only rich in nutrients but also has therapeutic properties.
The milk contains antibodies that are similar to those found in human milk, making it easier to digest and beneficial for boosting the immune system.
Conservation Status
IUCN: Endangered
Threats: The steadily decreasing mangroves because of heavy industrialisation along the coast have affected the traditional grazing routes.
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