Kharai Camel

Kharai Camel

News: In a recent report tabled in Gujarat Assembly, the Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG) asked the government to preserve mangroves and save the ‘Kharai’ breed of camels.
 

About:
 Rare breed of camel found in the salt marshes of the Kutch district of Gujarat.
 Their name is derived from the local word khara, meaning saline.
 It is well adapted to the saline desert environment and is known for its ability to swim (hence also known as ‘swimming camel’).
 They swim long distances in the sea to reach their grazing areas, usually more than 3 km at a time, even in deep waters.
 Kharai camels mostly feed on mangroves.
 They are considered a unique Eco-tonal species as they survive in the dryland ecosystem as well as the coastal ecosystem.
 IUCN status - Endangered