Category: Chaghai Kharan Desert (CKD)

Spread in 3 districts (Chaghai, Kharan, and Washuk) of northwestern Balochistan, the CKD is one of the most important habitats of the camels and goat. The elite milk and race camels like Kharani and Rodbari are found here. Also, it is the habitat of the Morak goat.

Kharani Breed, a Milk Treasure of Kharan Desert

The world's leading milch camel~The Kharani

Kharani camel is found in the Chaghai-Kharan desert of Balochistan Pakistan. The best milch animal in the world. There is high variability within the breed for milk production. In the wet days of the year, when there is succulent vegetation, some specimen of the breed produce up to 38 litre of milk per day. Unfortunately, this breed is under severe threat. The main cause of erosion is the depletion of Thagaz (Halloxylon spp).

The world's leading milch camel~The Kharani

Kharani camel is found in the Chaghai-Kharan desert of Balochistan Pakistan. Known with the name of Kharan Desert, it is a mountainous sandy desert situated in the Southwestern region of Balochistan, Pakistan. The region is the cradle of the precious animal genetic resources like Kharani camel and Morak goat.

Morak goat is close to wild ancestors, resistant to diseases and owns a strong power of escape.

Map of Balochistan showing Chagai Kharan Desert

Kharani camel breed is the most efficient (producing more milk per kg dry matter feed intake) and survives sustainable in the challenging environment. There is high variability within the breed for milk production. In the wet days of the year, when there is succulent vegetation, some specimen of the breed produce up to 38 liters of milk per day.http://pu.edu.pk/images/journal/zology/PDF-FILES/6-PUJZ-13-2-2802110514-Production%20potential%20of%20camel%20and%20its%20%20prospects%20in%20%20Pakistan.pdf

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Take Home Message

Unfortunately, this breed is under severe threat. The main cause of erosion is the depletion of Thagaz (Halloxylon spp) which is the most important feedstuff for camels in the region. Also, there is illegal export (fertile female) to the neighboring countries, where it is slaughtered and consumed as meat. This way the erosion of this unique animal genetic resources is happening since many years. The policy makers of province should take major steps to conserve this precious animal with the involvement of the camels’ keepers. The best way of support is to conserve the Thagaz forest.

Watching is Believing

When you will watch this video, you will understand the importance of the Kharani breed, you will know the landscape/habitat and the threats to this precious camel. https://youtu.be/r4h1E7WHKds

Morak Goat Breed of the Chaghai Kharan Desert

Habitat: Chaghai Kharan desert especially Raskoh mountains of the region is the home track of the breed. The breed is very close to its wild ancestors. There are many tribes, rearing this breed of goat, which are Badeni, Muhammad Hasani, Maingul, Jamaldini, Sasoli, Sanjrai, Nothezi, Nausherwani, Malangzai, Siafad, Faqirzai, Hajizai,.

Phenotypic characteristics: The goat has medium size with black body coat, very rare specimen with white color is also found. The long curled horns, especially in the male with beard are the salient feature of the breed. The goat also produces reasonable amount of milk.

Vegetation: Vegetation of the area liked by the goat is comprising of Ghaz (Tamarix Articula), shrub as Taghaz (Haloxylon Amodendron), bushes like Hashwarg (Rhozya Stricta), Pog (Calegnum Polygonaides) Cotor (Stockcia Brohinca), Lara (Salsola Kali), Kandar (Alhogi Camelarum), Barshonk, Karwankush, Narronk (Salsola Arbuscula), Tusso (Gaillaina Aucheri) and grasses like Mughair (Atriplex Dimprphostegium), Kash (Sacchorum Siliare), Righith (Suoeda Monica) Shanaluk (Allium Rubellum). etc.The Ice Cream Species of Plants for the Camel and Goat. Part 1, Part 2. Ice Cream Species of Plants for the Camel and Goat

Population: Population of the breed is almost 0.5 million. The population trend is increasing. Morak breed is one of the badly affected goat breeds in the province by the previous drought (1998-2003), as the drought was very severe in this ecological zone.Effects of Drought on Livestock Sector in Balochistan Province of Pakistan

Special Traits:

  • Close to its wild ancestors
  • It is very accessible to inaccessible areas for grazing, i.e. the peaks of the mountains
  • The animal is very alert and fast running, hence can’t be eaten by pest and predators. More close to wild ancestors
  • High milk production in harsh environment of the region in a very low input system of the ordinary grazing

Option Hopes: Close relation to its wild ancestors.

Morak goat of Kharan Washuk region

Economic importance: The most important breed for livelihood earning of the pastoral livestock keepers of the region. It provide milk in the harsh environment when the sheep milk yield ceased. It also provides cash by selling it, when the livestock keepers need cash money. The animal may attain good weight and attract good prices because of its more meat and height.