Camels are found in India, adapted to various landscapes. They play a significant role in the country’s ecology and economy.
Camel Species and Distribution
India primarily hosts two species of camels: the Dromedary (one-humped) camel (Camelus dromedarius) and the Bactrian (two-humped) camel (Camelus bactrianus). The Dromedary camel is prevalent in hot desert regions, while the Bactrian camel is found in colder, high-altitude deserts.
The Dromedary camel population is concentrated in the northwestern states, particularly Rajasthan, which accounts for about 80% of India’s camel population. Other states with significant Dromedary populations include Gujarat, Haryana, and Punjab. Gujarat is home to the unique Kharai camel, also known as the “swimming camel,” adapted to salt marshes and able to swim long distances to graze on mangroves.
Bactrian camels are found exclusively in the cold desert regions of Ladakh. Their population in Ladakh has increased from 64 in 2004 to 298 by 2020, due to tourism. These camels are well-suited for high-altitude environments and have historically served as transportation along ancient trade routes.
Role in Indian Society and Economy
Camels historically and currently are an integral part of Indian society and economy, particularly in arid and semi-arid regions. They are often referred to as the “ship of the desert” due to their ability to navigate harsh desert conditions and carry heavy loads. For centuries, camel caravans facilitated trade routes, transporting goods like spices, silk, and precious stones across vast distances.
In agriculture, camels are widely used for plowing fields, carting, and transporting agricultural produce, especially in dryland farming areas. They provide milk, valued for its nutritional and medicinal properties. Camel hair is also used for various products. Beyond their practical uses, camels hold deep cultural significance, particularly in Rajasthan, where they are celebrated in festivals like the Bikaner Camel Festival and are central to the identity of communities like the Raika and Rebari. These animals contribute to rural livelihoods and play a role in the tourism industry through camel safaris.
Conservation and Future Outlook
Despite their historical and ongoing importance, camel populations in India have declined. The total camel population in India decreased from 4 lakh in 2012 to 2.5 lakh in 2019, representing a 37% decline. In Rajasthan alone, the camel population decreased by 71% since the 1990s, with only 213,000 camels reported in the latest census.
Several factors contribute to this decline, including increased mechanization in agriculture and transportation, which reduces the demand for camels as draught animals. Shrinking grazing lands due to urbanization, agricultural expansion, and fencing also limit the areas where camels can forage, as they cannot be stall-fed like other livestock.
To protect the declining population, the Rajasthan government declared the camel as the state animal in 2014 and enacted the Rajasthan Camel (Prohibition of Slaughter and Regulation of Temporary Migration or Export) Act in 2015. However, this law, intended to conserve camels by restricting their sale and transport outside the state, has inadvertently led to a reduction in their market value, making camel rearing unprofitable for many traditional breeders.
To counter these challenges, there is a focus on promoting camel milk production and processing, which could provide a new economic incentive for camel breeders. Organizations and government departments are also working to support traditional herding communities and preserve grazing lands. The United Nations declared 2024 as the International Year of Camelids, highlighting their role and promoting sustainable practices for their future.