Malvi Camel: Features, Habitat, Conservation

Why in News?

The Malvi camel, popularly known as the White Camel, has come into focus after being classified as an endangered camel breed due to its drastic population decline. According to the 2019 Livestock Census, only 102 Malvi camels remain in India. Scientists consider camel breeds with fewer than 300 breeding females to be at a high risk of extinction. Consequently, the National Research Centre on Camel (NRCC) has launched a scientific breeding programme to conserve this unique indigenous breed.

About Malvi Camel

The Malvi camel is one of the nine officially recognised camel breeds of India. It is the smallest camel breed in the country and is easily identified by its distinctive white coat, which gives it the popular name White Camel. Traditionally, the breed has served as a reliable pack animal in the semi-arid regions of central India. Farmers also value it for its milk, as a healthy female produces 4–5 kilograms of milk per lactation cycle, making it an important livelihood resource for pastoral communities.

The breed is primarily distributed across the Malwa Plateau. In Madhya Pradesh, it is mainly found in Mandsaur, Neemuch, Ratlam, and Gwalior, while in Rajasthan, its population occurs in Kota, Bundi, Jhalawar, and Baran districts. The Malvi camel is well adapted to dry climatic conditions and survives on sparse vegetation, making it suitable for semi-arid ecosystems.

However, mechanisation of agriculture and transport, shrinking grazing lands, declining economic returns from camel rearing, and changing livelihood patterns have led to a sharp fall in its population. The small breeding population has also increased the risk of genetic erosion, making immediate conservation essential.

To reverse this decline, the National Research Centre on Camel (NRCC), Bikaner, has initiated a scientific breeding programme. The centre has procured 12 purebred Malvi camels, including three males and nine females, to establish a nucleus breeding herd and preserve the breed’s genetic purity. The initiative is being implemented under a network project of the National Bureau of Animal Genetic Resources (NBAGR), Karnal, with active participation from livestock owners and researchers. Scientists are also documenting the breed’s physical characteristics, productivity, and adaptability to strengthen long-term conservation.

Related Information

India possesses nine recognised camel breeds, each adapted to distinct ecological regions. These include Bikaneri, Jaisalmeri, Kachchhi, Mewari, Jalori, Sindhi, Malvi, Kharai, and Ladakhi camels. Among them, the Kharai camel is unique for its ability to swim in coastal mangrove ecosystems, while the Ladakhi camel (double-humped Bactrian camel) is adapted to the cold desert conditions of Ladakh. The National Research Centre on Camel (NRCC), located in Bikaner, Rajasthan, is India’s premier institution for camel research, breeding, health management, and conservation. The National Bureau of Animal Genetic Resources (NBAGR), headquartered in Karnal, Haryana, serves as the nodal organisation for the identification, conservation, and sustainable utilisation of indigenous livestock genetic resources.

Exam Oriented Facts

• Common Name: Malvi Camel or White Camel.
• Status: Endangered due to severe population decline.
• Population (2019 Livestock Census): 102 animals.
• Recognition: One of nine recognised camel breeds of India.
• Unique Feature: Smallest Indian camel breed with a distinctive white coat.
• Primary Distribution: Malwa region of Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan.
• Milk Yield: Approximately 4–5 kg per lactation cycle.
• Conservation Agency: National Research Centre on Camel (NRCC), Bikaner.
• Supporting Institution: National Bureau of Animal Genetic Resources (NBAGR), Karnal.
• Threats: Mechanisation, habitat loss, reduced grazing land, declining pastoral economy, and genetic erosion.
• Conservation Strategy: Scientific breeding, purebred nucleus herd development, and community participation.