Kutch's Kharai Breed, World's Only Swimming Camels, Can Travel 1.5 Km In Sea

Rann of Kutch constituted the major part of Kutch district in Rajasthan. It is one of the most visited tourist spots in India. It harbours a variety of flora and fauna in the area. The Rann of Kutch is also famous for the camels. There are two types of camels found in the area. They are known as Kharai and Kachchi. The Kharai breed of camel is known for its swimming abilities. It does not travel in the desert but it goes inside the water to get its food. This species of camel has also received national recognition. Kharai camels are found in the coastal villages of Kutch. The primary reason for the inhabitance of these camels in these areas is the food resource. The primary food of this camel is a plant called cher, found on the sea coast.

Kharai camels usually feed on the sea mangroves. They can go one and a half to two kilometres into the sea. They go to Cheriya (a type of vegetation) forests for food. In Kutch, Kharai camels are found in the Gulf region from Chirai in Bhachau taluka to Vondh, Jangi, Ambaliyara and Surajbari. People of Rabari and Jat community take care of it in the form of animal husbandry.

In 2012, the number of Kharai camels was 4,000. Its population has reduced drastically. Currently, the number of Kharai camels in Kutch is 2000. According to Rameshbhai Bhatti of Sahajeevan Sanstha, the main reason for the decreasing number of Kharai camels is the cutting of cher vegetation. Kharai Camels are starving to death. To avoid this, Sahajeevan Sanstha and the Kutch Camel Breeders Association have been doing various works and efforts for its breeding and conservation for many years.

Kachch Unt Uchherak Maldhari Sangathan (KUUMS) is also facing numerous difficulties in camel rearing. This association contains the camel pastoralists. The executive committee contains the male and female representatives from each taluka. The Sangathan expressed concern over the recent announcement that these camels have been banned on the beach due to security reasons. Kharai Camels used to wander these places in search of food. Kharai camel milk is also considered of high quality. Ice cream, chocolate and other products are also made from this milk.