Kharai Camel

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About Kharai Camel:

They are a 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.
Conservation Status:
- IUCN: Endangered

Q1) Where is the Kutch region located?

The Kutch region is located in the Indian state of Gujarat. It is sometimes described as India’s “wild west.” This immense stretch of largely barren and harsh desert landscape apparently spans more than 40,000 square kilometers, and is one of the country’s largest districts.

Source: Gujarat: CAG finds 117 hectares of mangroves destroyed in Kutch; asks govt to save ‘Kharai” breed of camels from extinction