Camel and the Power of Adaptation
Camel is a precious animal genetic resource, highly adapted to the harsh and hostile ecosystems. Camels rely on woody and scanty vegetation and efficiently convert them into precious food (milk & meat) and other items (wool, manure, bones, etc.). The camel is composed of unique DNA, making it the most efficient biological machine both in the consumption of inputs and production of the outputs.
Camel is an Efficient Biological Machine
The camel produces in harsh environments where other animals are difficult to survive. In the climate change scenario, the camel is the most suitable animal to be used as an agent of food security. Camel relies on the marginal lands which are unable to produce crops or support agrifarming. Water is the major limiting factor of drylands and camel is the most efficient animal in the water economy (lowest water footprint). https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r4h1E7WHKds
Camel is Neglected
Unfortunately, camel is always neglected while formulating policies for food security under climate change context. Recently, the Australian government decided to kill camels for water conservation. One can just realize how stupid this act is as the camel is the solution, not a problem. I hereby share the link of a film, you will weep to see the massacre of camel shoot. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V61_07V1jC4
Camel is under threat in its natural habitats as well and one of the best examples is the camel sinking in the Rajasthan desert. https://camel4all.blog/2017/09/25/a-beautiful-camel-heritage-is-sinking/
There are many reasons for this sad state of the situation, all are man-made. The bushfire in the Australian continent is not because of the camel but the soaring heat because of climate change.
Utilization is the Best Conservation
It is the utmost need of time to conserve camel with the perspectives of camel herders, climate scientists, and food security activists. But the top priority must go the camel keepers as they are one in all. Utilization is the best conservation. The Australian government should take the camel as an opportunity but not a threat. Camel milk (top priority) and meat can be good tools for its utilization and ultimately conservation.
3 replies on “Camel is a Solution, Not a Problem”
Debi Robinson had been traveling and walking with the camels in the central Australia. She has her own opinion. I shall copy and paste her messages/comments about the camel kill issue in Australia. “With good herd management and breeding, cattle can survive well during our droughts.. My family became millionaires from sale of cattle and property at the end of the 12 year drought. This article was written mainly concerning the APY lands which are governed and run by aboriginal people. They do not look after their herds as others do.
Debi Robinson “My gripe is the treatment during muster and transport. I was taught no animal should suffer needlessly. But suffer they do.. Terribly. Pregnant cows will slip calves which are left to die in the baking sun..legs and jaws are broken, all manner if injuries sustained just to get loaded onto trucks.. Then there is over a thousand klms to the meatworks. Every animal knows what is to happen..the stress undergone is not good for the meat as an end product.”
The heavy type of Australian camels is a very precious and charming genetics in the country. Unfortunately, they come undershooting easily. The cream of camel genetics in Australia is vanishing. I informed the international community on time. https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=3363303483685768&set=a.181855265163955&type=3&theater¬if_t=feedback_reaction_generic¬if_id=1580815509947404
Debi Robinson Australia is huge, a large amount of camels are of mixed breeds, and in top condition. But in some areas, a few strains of camel have remained fairly true to their original breeds. With knowledge and good breeding practices, these could be utilized to improve the standards for saleable dairy, meat and working beasts, alongside embryo exports. If ongoing, viable markets could be found. Otherwise its just another pipe dream.