Camels of Rajasthan | RPSC Preparation: All subjects - RPSC RAS (Rajasthan) PDF Download

Rajasthan's Camel Population Crisis

• Camels, symbolic of Rajasthan, are integral to the state's culture and are crucial to its desert life.
• In 2014, Camels (Camelus dromedaries) were designated as the State Animal (Livestock) of Rajasthan, supporting approximately 85% of India’s camel population.
• Significant camel populations are also found in states like Gujarat, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh.

Threat to Camel Population

• Rajasthan's emblematic 'ship of the desert' is facing a serious threat to its existence.
• Reports from November 2019 indicate a concerning trend at the Pushkar fair, with the lowest number of camels for sale in two decades.
• The Pushkar fair, renowned as the International Camel Fair and the world's largest, may witness the disappearance of camels within the next five years.
• The 20th Livestock Census of 2019 revealed a significant decline, estimating the camel population at 3223, marking a 37% drop since 2012 and a staggering 75% decrease since 1992.

Different Breeds of Camel found in Rajasthan

Camels are an integral part of Rajasthan's culture and economy. Let's explore the diverse breeds of camels found in this region:

• Bikaneri: The Bikaneri camels are predominantly found in regions such as Bikaner, Gangangar, Hanumangarh, and Churu.
• Jodhpuri: Jodhpuri camels are primarily located in Jodhpur and Nagaur districts.
• Nachna: The Nachna camels are known for their swiftness and are originally from Nachna Village in Jaisalmer.
• Jaisalmeri: Camels of the Jaisalmeri breed can be spotted in areas like Jaisalmer, Barmer, and Jodhpur.
• Kutchi: Kutchi camels are primarily found in Barmer and Jalore regions.
• Jalori: Jalori camels are predominantly located in Jalore and Sirohi.
• Mewari: Mewari camels are extensively used for transporting goods and are mainly found in Udaipur, Chittorgarh, Pratapgarh, and Ajmer.
• Gomat: The Gomat breed of camels is known for...
• Gurha: Found in Nagaur & Churu.
• Kherupal Breed: Found in Bikaner & Churu.
• Alwari Breed: Alwari camel breed is mostly found in East Rajasthan.

Declining Camel Population in Rajasthan

• India is home to a significant camel population, with Rajasthan hosting about 85% of these animals. Other states such as Gujarat, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh also have notable camel populations. 
• The camel, specifically the Camelus dromedarius species, holds the title of State Animal in Rajasthan. Unfortunately, there are concerning trends indicating that the camel population may be at risk of being classified as critically endangered on the IUCN Red List.

Factors Leading to Decline

• Recent data highlights a distressing decline in camel numbers. According to the 20th Livestock Census, Rajasthan has seen a staggering 71% decrease in camel population since the 1990s. 
• Specifically, the census recorded 213,000 camels in the state, a significant drop from the 746,000 reported in 1992. Nationally, India has witnessed an overall decline of almost 37% in camel numbers since 2011 and a substantial 75% decrease since 1992.

Reasons for decline of Camel Population

• Mechanisation: The camel, once a crucial draught animal in Rajasthan, has been gradually replaced by mechanised alternatives.
• Smuggling: Camel trading occurs in states like Bengal, Bihar, and Uttar Pradesh, with camels from Rajasthan being sold in markets such as Itahar, Chanchal, Harishchandrapur, and Ratua in West Bengal, as well as other locations. Additionally, there is significant demand for camel meat in Bangladesh.
• Proliferation of Diseases: Camels are frequently affected by trypanosomiasis, a disease causing stillbirths and dystocia. Other factors contributing to the declining camel population include high rates of morbidity and mortality.
• Distorted Sex Ratio: An imbalanced male-to-female ratio among camels exacerbates the population decline.
• Ecosystem Disruptions: Climate change and ecosystem disruptions have led to a reduction in grazing and pasture land available for camels.
• Lack of Grazing Land: There is a shortage of pastures and grazing areas for camels.
• Policy Failure: The Rajasthan Camel (Prohibition of Slaughter and Regulation of Temporary Migration or Export) Act prohibits the sale or transport of camels outside the state, resulting in a lack of market opportunities beyond Rajasthan.

Steps taken by Rajasthan government

• State Animal Declaration: The camel has been officially declared the state animal of Rajasthan.
• Legal Measures: The Rajasthan Camel (Prohibition of Slaughter and Regulation of Temporary Migration or Export) Act, 2015, was enacted to curb illegal smuggling and trading of camels. Under this act, unauthorized transportation of camels is punishable by rigorous imprisonment ranging from six months to three years, and fines between Rs 5,000 and 25,000.
• Research Centre: A National Research Centre on Camel (NRCC) has been established in Jorbeer, Bikaner, to focus on camel research and development.
• Camel Development Scheme: On 2 October 2016, the Rajasthan state government introduced the Ushtra Vikas Yojana, a camel development scheme. This initiative provides camel breeders with a subsidy of INR 10,000 for each camel calf born over eighteen months, along with support for training centers, improved veterinary care, and research on camel products.
• Camel Milk Standards: On 2 December 2016, the Indian government announced FSSAI standards for camel milk, addressing a long-standing issue that had hindered the development of camel dairy in India.