Brains and brawn

Sub: Env

Sec: Species in news

Halari Donkeys

The Halari donkey is a beautiful and endangered breed found in the Halar region of Gujarat.
Fewer than 500 Halari donkeys remain, making them a rare and important part of the semi-arid landscapes of Jamnagar and Dwarka districts in Gujarat’s Saurashtra region.
These donkeys are typically white, larger, and more resilient than other breeds.
Donkeys are intelligent, social animals that form close bonds with humans, often supporting transport needs.

Uses:

Locals recount stories of Halari donkeys being used to build dams, forts, hilltop temples, and rest houses. Their strength allows them to carry heavy loads of stone and sand.
The Bharwad and Rabari pastoralists are the main communities that use this donkey as a pack animal to carry luggage during migration with small ruminants.
The Kumbhar (potter) community also uses this animal for pottery work in the Jamnagar region.

Economic Value:

The price of a Halari donkey exceeds ₹1 lakh today, with rising demand across India for Halari donkey dairies.
Halari donkey milk is prized for its sweetness. Its powdered form sells for more than ₹7,000 per kg in international markets, particularly for cosmetic use.

Conservation Efforts

The Sahjeevan Trust, in collaboration with Gujarat’s Animal Husbandry Department and the National Bureau of Animal Genetic Resources, is working to conserve the Halari breed.
Pure-bred male and female Halari donkeys have been identified for breeding, resulting in an increase in their numbers.
They call for establishing breeding farms for Halari donkeys in their native Halar region, requiring more substantial resources from the State government.

Source: TH