In a remarkable rescue operation off the coast of Gujarat, 33 rare Kharai camels were saved after being caught in a sea tide. The incident highlights both the unique adaptations of this camel breed and the threats it faces in its natural habitat.
The Kharai camel, also known as the "swimming camel," is a rare breed native to the Gulf of Kutch and the Gulf of Khambhat regions in Gujarat. It is the only camel species in Asia known for its ability to swim in seawater. The name 'Kharai' comes from the Gujarati word 'khara', meaning salty, which reflects the camel's ability to thrive in coastal saline ecosystems. These camels regularly venture into coastal waters to feed on saline plants like cher, lana, piludi, and kharijar that grow in tidal and salty soil. They have adapted to this environment with webbed feet for swimming and strong digestive systems that can tolerate salty vegetation.
Recently, intense rainfall caused some Kharai camels to be swept into the sea near Deendayal Port. In one instance, ten camels swam across the rough waters and reached Vadinar Port in Dwarka, where local police safely rescued them. The camels, who belong to a Maldhari herder from Singhach village in Jamnagar district, were grazing along the banks of Kandla in Kutch when the incident occurred. The animals were unharmed despite covering a significant distance through the sea and were in the process of being reunited with their owner. Bhikhabhai Rabari, coordinator of the Maldhari Sanghathan from Jangi village in Bhachau taluka, expressed surprise at the feat, noting that while Kharai camels can swim in shallow waters, swimming from Kutch to Dwarka in the open sea is extraordinary.
These camels play a crucial role in local ecosystems, particularly in maintaining mangrove forests. However, the Kharai camel is now facing the threat of extinction due to the rampant deforestation of mangrove forests for illegal salt production. The expansion of salt pans, cement factories, and other industrial activities in Coastal Regulation Zone-I areas has led to a massive loss of mangrove forests, which are vital feeding grounds for the camels. This loss of habitat and access to food has caused a significant decline in their population. Despite orders from the National Green Tribunal (NGT) to halt salt works in protected areas and restore the mangrove forests, violations continue. The Kharai camel is classified as endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) and is recognized as a genetically distinct breed by the National Bureau of Animal Genetic Resources (NBAGR).
The Kharai camel is integral to the Maldhari community, who have preserved the breed for over 400 years and treat them as part of their pastoral heritage. In 2016, the Indian government officially recognized the Kharai camel. Kharai camel milk is rich in nutrients and has therapeutic properties, containing antibodies similar to those found in human milk, making it easier to digest and beneficial for boosting the immune system.
