Why Camel Day?

Raziq, A. and M YounasDept of Livestock Management

University of Agriculture, Faisalabad-38040E-mail: myounas07@gmail.com, raziq374@yahoo.com

(June 22, 2012)

Camel is solution of many difficult questions of the future, i.e. climate change, drought, feed scarcity and water shortage, etc. Unfortunately this unique animal has never been placed in research and development projects properly. Camel is an ideal biological model produced for harsh and hostile conditions of the dryland world. The present day climate changes have even increased the importance of camel. To promote camel, realize its importance among different stake holders and to praise its attributes and qualities, the world camel scientists of the world has reserved a day on this remarkable and untapped specie in the whole world. After a huge debate, deliberations and worldwide immense consultation a camel day was proposed for June 22 each year. As June is the driest and hottest month, the celebration of this hardiest animal was fixed on longest day the year (Jun 22), as camel can stay against hottest environment for a longer period of time in most of its homelands.

The first World Camel Day (WCD) in Pakistan was organized on June 22, 2011 organized by Dr Abdul Raziq Kakar with the help of many scientists, activists, students and the member of the SAVES in Quetta, Balochistan. This event was presided over by the Mr Zabardast Khan Bangash (IUCN Balochistan). In the inaugural meeting of the Camel Association of Pakistan (CAP) on March 25, 2012, it was decided that CAP will be celebrating this day each year at different locations of the country to promote camel, bring awareness about the camel attributes, to protect the camel from threats and safeguard the interest of the camel herders. This is the second celebration of WCD in the row at University of Agriculture, Faisalabad (UAF) where all camel scientists, camel breeders and lovers will be participating in this event.