Population trends and distribution of camel population in india
Khanna, N.D.; Rai, A.K.; Tandon, S.N.
Indian Journal of Animal Sciences 60(3): 331-337
1990
ISSN/ISBN: 0367-8318 Document Number: 267962
India ranks third in camel population in the world. In 1985 India had 6.30% of the 17.4 million world camel population. There had been steady increase in camel populations during the last 4 decades. Increase (68.20%) from 0.65 million in 1945 to 1.1 million in 1985 was recorded. Camel density in the country was 0.37/km2. Rajasthan state alone accounted for 70.1% of Indian camel population, followed by Haryana 11.2%, Gujarat 6.9% and Punjab 5.9%. Camel density and camel population were highest in 11 arid districts of Rajasthan. The camel density in this arid area was 3.06/km2 and 4.78/100 persons and contributed 9.92% towards total domestic herbivore livestock biomass. The camel density in Rajasthan, Haryana, Gujarat and Punjab was 2.25, 0.36, 2.78 and 1.27/km2 respectively. Evidence indicates presence of camels in India circa 2800 BC.