UPSC Prelims 2016 Q44: Environment & Ecology – Biodiversity & Conservation
What is/are unique about 'Kharai camel', a breed found in India?
1. It is capable of swimming up to three kilometres in seawater.
2. It survives by grazing on mangroves.
3. It lives in the wild and cannot be domesticated.
Select the correct answer
using the code given below:
- (a) 1 and 2 only
- (b) 3 only
- (c) 1 and 3 only
- (d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer: (a) 1 and 2 only
Explanation
Kharai camel
The Kharai camel is found in the coastal Kutch region of Gujarat.
'Khara' means salty.
| Statement | Verdict | Fact |
|---|---|---|
| 1. It is capable of swimming up to three kilometres in seawater | Correct | It swims to offshore mangrove islands |
| 2. It survives by grazing on mangroves | Correct | Mangroves are its main food |
| 3. It lives in the wild and cannot be domesticated | Incorrect | It is a domesticated breed |
Key facts:
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Reared by | Rabari and Fakirani Jat herders |
| Recognition | Registered as India's ninth camel breed in 2015 |
| Threats | Loss of mangroves to salt pans and industry |
Answer: (a) 1 and 2 only.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) CORRECT. The Kharai camel swims in seawater and grazes on mangroves.
- (b) Incorrect. Statement 3 is false; the breed is domesticated by herders of Kutch.
- (c) Incorrect. Statement 3 is false, and statement 2 on mangroves is true.
- (d) Incorrect. It does not live in the wild; it is kept by Rabari and Jat herders.
Key point
Kharai camel (Kutch, Gujarat): swimming camel that grazes on mangroves; domesticated by Rabari and Fakirani Jat herders; recognised as a breed in 2015.
Remember
Kharai camel = swimming, mangrove-eating camel of Kutch.
Common mistakes
- Assuming an unusual animal must be wild.
- Doubting that a camel can swim; this breed does.
- Placing it in the Thar desert; it lives on the Kutch coast.
Exam tip
A 'breed' is by definition domesticated. That alone rules out statement 3.
Sources
- ICAR-National Bureau of Animal Genetic Resources — Registered camel breeds of India
- Sahjeevan — Kharai camel conservation, Kutch