The driest part of Gujarat has a lot to offer, Kharai camel happens to be one of them. The special breed of camel found only in Kutch, the Kharai camel feeds on mangroves and can go 5 to 7 Km in to the coastal water, which makes it an asset for patrolling on the Indian borders.

It is believed that 10 years ago there were nearly 5000 Kharai camels in Tunda wandh area of Mundra. But since the decrement in mangroves, only 500 camels are left in the area.

Due to the distinctive traits of the Kharai camels, the consultation of the research of genetic characterization of the Kharai camel is being taken from Anand University.

Dr. Das of Sahjivan said that this research will help the Kharai camels to gain worldwide recognition along with the Kutchi camels. The researchers will study the distinctive traits for 2 to 3 years and declare the Kharai camels as a different breed.

Sahjivan has formed group with the Maldhari community who raise the camels. By far 327 members have been registered.

Communities like Rabari, Jat and Sama are involved in raising camels. But the usage of camels for transportation has gone low, and the natural resources to maintain the camels are also decreasing. Hence efforts of conserving this camel are being made under the scheme of conservation of the threatened breeds.

There are only two camel raising facilities in India; one is in Bikaner and the second one is in Dhori, Kutch.

The facility is located nearly 27 KM from Bhuj. The camels that are raised in these facilities are sold to the BSF and the police. Veterinary officer K K Patel said that the demand of camel has now decreased, yet nearly 35 to 40 camels are sold in a year.

Presently there are 2000 Kharai camels and 11000 Kutchi camels in Kutch.