KHARAI CAMELS

CURRENT CONTEXT : A herd of 33 Kharai camels was rescued by marine police and villagers near Vadinar Jetty, Gujarat, after being caught in rising tides while grazing on mangroves of Kalubhar Tapu island.

 ABOUT KHARAI CAMELS:

• Breed: Unique dromedary camel adapted to swim and graze in saltwater mangrove ecosystems, chiefly in Kutch, Gujarat.
• Name Origin: ‘Khara’ = saline; also called ‘Dariyataru.’
• Habitat & Behavior: Swim up to 3 km offshore to feed on mangroves.
• Community Link: Domesticated and preserved by Rabari and Fakirani Jat tribes for ~400 years.
• Population Status: Estimated ~4,000 in Gujarat (2,000 in Kutch).
• Uses: Milk is nutrient-rich with therapeutic potential.