Prelims: Current events of national and international importance | Environment
Why in News?
The Malvi camel breed (popularly known as the white camel), one of the 9 officially recognized camel breeds in India, is facing a severe threat of extinction with only 102 animals remaining.
- The Malvi camel is a rare, critically endangered white coat breed native to India.
- Endangered Threshold - Animal geneticists consider any camel breed with fewer than 300 breeding females as endangered.
- Affected Breeds- The Malvi, along with the Mewari and Mewati breeds, falls squarely into this endangered category in India.
Key Characteristics & Habitat
- Physical Attributes - Recognized by its distinct white coat, it is the smallest among all Indian camel breeds.
- Milk Production- Valued for its dairy potential, with females yielding approximately 4–5 kg of milk per cycle.
- Traditional Use - Historically utilized as draft animals for rural transportation, load-carrying, and light agriculture.
Geographical Distribution
- Madhya Pradesh (Malwa Region) - Mandsaur, Neemuch, Ratlam, and Gwalior districts.
- Rajasthan- Kota, Bundi, Jhalawar, and Baran districts.
Factors Driving the Population Decline
- Loss of Traditional Utility - Rapid mechanization in rural transport and agriculture has drastically reduced the demand for draft camels.
- Socio-Economic Shifts - Changing livelihoods and shrinking profits from traditional camel keeping have caused pastoral communities to abandon camel rearing.
- Loss of Grazing Commons- Encroachment and fragmentation of traditional pasture lands in the Malwa and Hadoti belts.
Reference
Hindustan Times | Malvi camel breed
