UPSC 2016EnvironmentModerate

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
Correct Answer
B
3 only
C
1 and 3 only
D
1, 2 and 3

Explanation

The Kharai camel is a unique "swimming camel" found in Gujarat's Kutch region that can swim up to 3 km in seawater to graze on mangroves, making statements 1 and 2 correct. Statement 3 is incorrect because these camels are not wild; they are domesticated by local communities like the Rabari and Jat for milk and transportation. The core concept tested is the specific ecological adaptations and socio-economic significance of indigenous livestock breeds in India.

Environment - BiodiversityUnique Animal Species (Kharai Camel)Kharai camelswimmingseawatermangroveswilddomesticatedKutch

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