Every day when you wake up for school, the thing that probably you and your friends have in common during breakfast is milk. You may love it a lot or you may not like it so much, but it is a big part of your day-to-day life. But have you ever wondered what do people in different parts of India where they don’t have enough grass for cows to graze on like the great desserts of Rajasthan drink instead of milk as they can’t raise cows there? Have you heard of camel’s milk? That’s what they drink. And not only that, just like a cow holds a lot of significance for people in other parts of India, it’s camel’s milk that holds a lot of importance in west India where climate conditions are bad but people still thrive. The United Nations, an international organisation that was founded to maintain world peace and security, declared the year 2024 as the year of Camelids. So, let’s explore these amazing species and their values.
Camelids: What are they?
Every animal in the world belongs to either of the five broad species, they are either mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians or insects. However, within each species, there are a variety of other subspecies. Just like humans, camelids are also part of the mammal family and belong to a certain type of mammal known as Camelidae, which includes animals adapted for survival in diverse and often harsh environments.
It’s very easy for you to spot a camelidae. What you need to look for is a long neck, thin or slender legs and the ability to conserve water and energy for a long time. Reminds you of a certain hump friend? Perhaps a camel? Along with camel, alpacas and llamas are also considered to be a part of the camelids or Camelidae family.
What makes camelids unique is the way they can go days without worrying about water or energy. They not only can take care of themselves but can also help sustain you in the long run by providing you with a livelihood. Given that it’s hard to raise cows and other cattle in deserts like Thar desert or in hilly cold areas many people living there rely on cattle like camels, alpacas, llamas etc. for milk, meat and fibre. These types of cattle that survive in even the harshest conditions are known as camelids. Given their ability to fare through even the harshest of conditions they are considered a very important part of the ecosystem.
If you want to know more about the different types of camelids check out the videos below:
Camelids & India
For thousands of years, camels have been a very important part of Indian culture and heritage, ever since the days of the Silk Road which existed way before the colonisation that India faced camelids have been used to transport goods through harsh and difficult landscapes from one place to another. This transportation allowed India to connect with the rest of the world and hence gave a space for cultural exchange. And the only way India could travel through these difficult roads is with the help of camels.
Known as the “ships of deserts” camels are celebrated in Rajasthani folklore, music and festivals, embodying resilience and resourcefulness. Events like the Pushkar Camel Fair highlight their cultural importance, drawing global attention to the traditions surrounding camel rearing and trading.
Despite their huge importance, camel populations in India have been declining steadily over the years. According to the Livestock Census of India, the camel population dropped from 4 lakh in 2012 to 2.5 lakh in 2019. This is very worrying as that means that it is harming the overall ecosystem. This decline can be due to several factors:
- Lack of Awareness: Many urban dwellers are unaware of the ecological and economic contributions of camels, leading to very little appreciation and investment in their conservation.
- Economic Shifts: With people relying more on modern transportation such as cars, trucks, etc. the demand for camels to transport goods has reduced.
- Urbanisation: Expanding urban areas have reduced the grazing lands for camels, thus, making it difficult for them to live even on limited resources.
- Policy Gaps: While camels are recognised as important animals, there is a lack of proper policies that support camel herders and their livelihoods.
Afterword
Thus, the United Nations declared the year 2024 as the year of Camelids to help spread awareness about these species that help mankind survive in the harshest of conditions. Let’s take this initiative forward in the coming year and make 2025 a remarkable year for both humans and camelids.
