What is/are the unique about the ‘Kharai Camel’ a breed found in India
Explanation:
Kharai camels found in the Kutch region are very unique. They can can swim through deep sea waters and it feeds on mangroves and other saline plants. The breeders have meticulously followed the traditional grazing pattern in the coastal districts. They do not provide special housing or shelter to the camels.
Given the breed’s ability to survive both on land and sea, the Kharai camel is one of the most preferred choices of graziers in the arid coastal region of Kachchh. People consume its milk, while male calves are sold for economic returns (females are not sold because they are considered sacred). A male calf fetches anywhere between Rs.6,000 and Rs.14,000, says Ramesh Bhatti of Sahjeevan, an NGO working on livelihood issues of graziers in Kachchh. It can be domesticated also – so its not wild.
Why the question Came:
A recent survey by Sahjeevan Trust had identified rising threat to the rare Kharai camel species due to industrialization, salinity ingress and reduction in mangrove cover in coastal Kutch. Biodiversity based question – expect a few bouncers like these from UPSC!
Sources:DOWN TO EARTH (An important source for Env)
Rare Kharai camel species, found in Kutch district, is under threat due to the onslaught of industrialisation, post-2001 earthquake
- It is capable of swimming up three kilometers in seawater
- Its survives by grazing on mangroves
- It lives in the wild and cannot be domesticated
- 1 only
- 2 only
- Both 1 and 2
- Neither 1 nor 2
Explanation:
Kharai camels found in the Kutch region are very unique. They can can swim through deep sea waters and it feeds on mangroves and other saline plants. The breeders have meticulously followed the traditional grazing pattern in the coastal districts. They do not provide special housing or shelter to the camels.
Given the breed’s ability to survive both on land and sea, the Kharai camel is one of the most preferred choices of graziers in the arid coastal region of Kachchh. People consume its milk, while male calves are sold for economic returns (females are not sold because they are considered sacred). A male calf fetches anywhere between Rs.6,000 and Rs.14,000, says Ramesh Bhatti of Sahjeevan, an NGO working on livelihood issues of graziers in Kachchh. It can be domesticated also – so its not wild.
Why the question Came:
A recent survey by Sahjeevan Trust had identified rising threat to the rare Kharai camel species due to industrialization, salinity ingress and reduction in mangrove cover in coastal Kutch. Biodiversity based question – expect a few bouncers like these from UPSC!
Sources:DOWN TO EARTH (An important source for Env)
Rare Kharai camel species, found in Kutch district, is under threat due to the onslaught of industrialisation, post-2001 earthquake
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