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UPSC Prelims 2016 · Environment · Species Watch
What is/are unique about 'Kharai camel' a breed found in India? Select the correct answer using the code given below.
- It is capable of swimming up to three kilometers in seawater.
- It survives by grazing on mangroves.
- It lives in the wild and cannot be domesticated.
- (a) 1 and 2 only
- (b) 3 only
- (c) 1 and 3 only
- (d) 1, 2 and 3
Show the answer and explanation
Answer: (a) 1 and 2 only
They swim in the sea and eat mangroves; they are domestic, not wild.
Statement by statement
1. ✓ CORRECT Kharai camels of Kutch swim up to 3 km in the sea to reach mangrove islands.
2. ✓ CORRECT They graze on mangroves and saline plants.
3. ✗ WRONG They are a domesticated breed kept by Rabari and Fakirani Jat herders.
The idea
“Khara” means salty. The Kharai camel of Kachchh is the only camel breed that lives off the sea coast: it swims out to mangrove islands and feeds there for days. It is a herded animal that belongs to pastoral families.
Herders lead the camels to the shore → Camels swim to mangrove islands → Graze on mangroves and salt-loving plants → Return for fresh water → Loss of mangroves to salt pans and ports threatens the breed
The trap
Swimming to islands sounds like a wild animal. Their herders swim alongside them.
Elimination technique
Statement 3 says it “cannot be domesticated”. Absolute words usually mark the false statement in Environment PYQs. That leaves only option (a).
Also know
It was recognised as a separate breed in 2015. Its keepers are the Rabari and the Fakirani Jat. Other Indian camel breeds: Bikaneri, Jaisalmeri, Mewari and Kachchhi. The two-humped camel is found in the Nubra valley of Ladakh.
🔒 Kharai camel: Kutch (Gujarat), swims, grazes mangroves, domesticated.