Context:
The United Nations has declared 2024 as the International Year of Camelids.
International Year of Camelids:
- Aim – To build awareness of the untapped potential of camelids and to call for increased investment in the camelid sector, and the use of innovative practices and technologies.
- Importance – These animals contribute to food security, nutrition and economic growth for many communities around the globe.
According to Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO), camelids influence the lives of millions of households in more than 90 countries.
Camelids:
- Camelids Group include – alpacas, Bactrian camels, dromedaries, guanacos, llamas, and vicuñas.
- Classification –
- Old World camelids (OW) – the dromedary, the domestic Bactrian camel, and the wild Bactrian camel.
- New World camelids (NW)
- Significance –
- Meets the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) envisaged by the United Nations.
- Source of milk and meat, which helps people fight hunger.
- Uses –
- Provide fibres which can be used for clothing and shelter
- Used as a means of transportation
- Provides organic fertilizer which can be used in agriculture.
Camelids are known to survive in harsh conditions and thus be ambassadors to raise awareness about climate change. In the highlands of Andes mountain ranges and in the arid and semi-arid lands in Africa and Asia, camelids play a major role in the livelihood of the inhabitants.
Source: Hindustan Times
Previous Year Question
What is/are unique about ‘Kharai camel’, a breed found in India?
1. It is capable of swimming up to three kilometres in seawater.
2. It survives by grazing on mangroves.
3. It lives in the wild and cannot be domesticated.
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
[UPSC Civil Services Exam – 2016 Prelims]
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer: (a)
Explanation:
People consume their milk, while male calves are sold for economic returns. Hence it can be domesticated.
