India, a land of diverse landscapes and rich cultural heritage, is also home to a remarkable animal, the camel. These resilient creatures have long been an integral part of life in India’s arid and semi-arid regions, serving various purposes for generations. Beyond their practical utility, Indian camels hold a unique place in the country’s ecological balance and cultural narratives. Their presence shapes the livelihoods of many communities, particularly those living in desert environments.
Defining the Indian Camel
The camel species predominantly found in India is the single-humped dromedary camel, scientifically known as Camelus dromedarius. These animals are around 1.8 to 2.4 meters (6 to 8 feet) tall at the shoulder and can weigh between 400 and 690 kilograms (880 to 1,520 pounds) for males, with females being slightly smaller. Their bodies are well-suited for desert life, featuring long, curved necks, narrow chests, and thick hair on their throats, shoulders, and hump. This hair is often longer than the fur on the rest of their body.
Dromedaries have specialized adaptations to thrive in arid conditions. Their humps are composed of fatty tissue, which serves as an energy reserve, not a water reservoir as commonly believed. This concentrated fat minimizes insulation, aiding in heat regulation. They also have efficient kidneys and intestines that help retain water, enabling them to travel for extended periods with minimal water intake. While the dromedary is the most common, a small population of double-humped Bactrian camels (Camelus bactrianus) exists in the cold desert regions of Ladakh. These Bactrian camels are also well-adapted to extreme temperatures, ranging from -40°C to 40°C.
A Symbiotic Relationship: The Raika and Cultural Significance
The relationship between humans and camels in India, especially with the Raika pastoralist community of Rajasthan, is deeply rooted in tradition and mutual dependence. The Raika, also known as Rabaris, consider the camel central to their cultural identity. For centuries, they have been the primary breeders and caretakers of Rajasthan’s indigenous camel breeds, such as the hardy Marwari camel.
This community traditionally derived income from selling male camels as draft animals. The Raika have a strict taboo against killing camels or consuming their meat, viewing camel milk as a divine gift. If there is surplus milk, it is traditionally given away rather than sold. Their traditional knowledge includes understanding how different plants affect milk yield and flavor.
Camel herding is more than a livelihood for the Raika; it is woven into their rituals, oral traditions, and seasonal migrations. They historically followed migratory routes, allowing camels to graze on vast common lands and consume desert shrubs. This practice not only sustained the camels but also contributed to the health of Rajasthan’s fragile desert ecosystem by providing natural fertilizer and promoting biodiversity.
The Unique Kharai: India’s Swimming Camel
Among India’s camel breeds, the Kharai camel of Gujarat is known for its aquatic abilities, navigating saltwater and thriving in salt marshes. This dromedary breed is known as the “swimming camel.” The name “Kharai” means “salty” in Gujarati, reflecting its adaptation to saline environments. They are also locally called “dariyataru,” meaning “sea-swimmer.”
Kharai camels can swim long distances through shallow and deep sea waters. This unique adaptation allows them to reach islands near the shore to graze on mangrove forests and other saline vegetation, a significant part of their diet. Their gently padded hooves further aid their movement on wet, salty coastal land. This breed’s ability to live in both dry land and marine environments makes it an “ecotonal” species. The Kharai camel was officially recognized as a distinct breed by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) in 2015.
Facing Decline: Threats and Conservation Efforts
Despite their adaptability and cultural significance, India’s camel population is declining. Rajasthan, home to about 80% of India’s camels, saw its population drop by approximately 40% between 2015 and 2019, from 350,000 to 210,000. This reduction is attributed to several interconnected threats. A primary concern is the loss of grazing land, as agricultural expansion, urbanization, and the development of infrastructure encroach upon traditional pastures and mangrove forests.
The increasing mechanization of transport and agriculture has also reduced the demand for camels, making their rearing less economically viable for many pastoralists. Policy changes have further impacted traditional herding communities, with restrictions on camel transportation sometimes paradoxically contributing to their decline. Additionally, camels are vulnerable to diseases, which can decimate herds.
In response to these challenges, various conservation initiatives are underway to protect these animals and support their traditional caretakers. Organizations and government bodies are working to strengthen the camel milk sector and improve breeding programs. The United Nations declared 2024 as the International Year of Camelids, highlighting their global importance and the need for their conservation. Efforts also focus on preserving grazing lands and supporting herding communities, recognizing their role in maintaining camel biodiversity.