Double-humped camels of Ladakah: prospects and constraints to sustained survival

Abstract

At present the total population of double-humped camel in Nubra vally is about 211. Including 21 calves below the age of One year (status up to march 2015). Fortunately the population has evidenced an increasing trend during the past few years, which is a favourable sign for conservation of this precious animal species. Bactrian camels are the major tourist attraction in Nubra vally. Larger camel populations remain in semi-wild condition and the farmers bring them home to train for camel riding only during the tourist season, Important health problems faced by these camels as reported by villagers and observed in our investigations, include corneal (eye) injuries and subsequent cornel opacities occurring while browsing on bushes of sea-buckthorn and neonatal mortality mostly due to predation by wild carnivores like foxes, jackals and dogs. Attempts should be made to encourage camel-based tourism activites in Nubra valley. The community grazing areas should be protected from encroachment. Small-scale industries/cottage industries for processing/manufacturing camel-based products should be encouraged