Introduction to Camels in Balochistan

In continuation of the previous post, I start here with the camel. I shall discuss each breed of Balochistan in details with the perspectives of the livestock keepers.

Introduction to Camels in Balochistan

Camel is the precious and important animal of the province. Camel is the most well-adapted livestock species, survives and produces in climatic extremes and is well appreciated for its’ significance in the pastoral economy of the province.

The camel being an important livestock species uniquely adapted to hot and arid environments, like in Balochistan, and therefore contributes significantly to the food security of the nomadic pastoral households. No doubt the automobile and machine transportation decreased its draught role, but it is still an important food animal and indigenous animal genetic resource. Camel is a hardy animal and has proved his worth in the long prevailing droughts in Balochistan, remained almost for 10 years (1994-2004). The Drought Relief Commissioner’s data and other reports indicated that the drought has caused great damage to livestock sector but a lesser number of camels was affected as compared

to other livestock species proportionally. But unfortunately, less attention has been given to camel improvements for many years when planning national development. The breeds of the camel will be discussed in the ensuing paragraphs. There are 6 camel breeds in the province, most of them were never characterized, documented, or discussed in the grey record of the country.

Brahvi Camel Breed of Central Balochistan.

The Brahvi camel is well adapted to the arid, cold and mountainous ecology of central Brahvi highlands (CBH) of the province (Figure). Some herds of this breed may also found in northern parts of Sind province. Brahvi camel herders also migrate to the Kachhi basin region of the province in winter. So, the breed is also found in that area in winter.