CAMELIDS

15.06.2024

CAMELIDS

Why in the news?   

Camelids are crucial for combating desertification and supporting livelihoods, highlighted during FAO's International Year of Camelids 2024 initiative.

Key Points

• Camelids' Role is Essential in combating desertification and supporting resilience in drylands and mountainous regions.
• 2024 was declared as the International Year of Camelids to emphasize their significance.
• Saudi Arabia and Bolivia are primary supporters of the camelid initiative.
• Camelids contribute to the economy and culture, especially in regions like Saudi Arabia and South America.
• Camelids play a role in achieving the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and FAO's sustainable livestock framework.

About the Camelids:

• Species Diversity Includes Bactrian camels, dromedaries, alpacas, guanacos, llamas, and vicuñas.
• Camelids Found in South America, Africa, and Asia, with origins traced back to North America.
• They Provide food, transport, and organic fertilizer, crucial for communities in harsh climates.
• They are known for their remarkable adaptations to arid and high-altitude environments.
• These ungulates can be classified into two major groups: the Old World and the New World.

Importance of Camelids

• Camelids play an important role in meeting the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) envisaged by the United Nations.
• They are a source of milk and meat which helps people fight hunger. They also provide fiber which can be used for clothing and shelter.
• They are also used by people as a means of transportation.
• They also provide organic fertilizer which can be used in agriculture. Moreover, Camelids are known to survive in harsh conditions.
• 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. Camelids can thus be ambassadors to raise awareness about climate change.

Objective of The International Year of Camelids 2024

• The International Year of Camelids 2024 aims to build awareness of the untapped potential of camelids and to call for increased investment in the camelid sector, advocating for greater research, capacity development and the use of innovative practices and technologies.
• The aim of the announcement is to highlight the important role of camelids in the context of protection of ecosystems, biodiversity conservation and food security and in adapting to climate change.

About FAO:

• The FAO aims to eradicate hunger, ensure food security, and promote sustainable agricultural practices.
• Headquarters of the FAO is  Located in Rome, Italy.
• Initiates global observances like the International Year of Camelids to promote specific agricultural sectors.
• Supports the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development through various frameworks, including sustainable livestock transformation.

                                                                        Source: Down to earth

Ques :- Consider the following statements about Camelids:

1.Camelids include species like alpacas, guanacos, and vicuñas, which are native to South America.

2. Bactrian camels are found in the Nubra Valley of Ladakh.

3. Camelids are primarily found only in Africa and Asia.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

A) 1 and 2 only

B) 2 and 3 only

C) 1 and 3 only

D) 1, 2, and 3

Answer: A