India, Oct. 27 -- As daylight fades over Mongolia's grasslands, a mother camel turns her back on her newborn calf. Herders know what to try next: a song. UNESCO's listing for the coaxing ritual for camels describes how the mother is tied close to the calf while a singer begins a monotone melody, adding gestures and chanting. The aim is to persuade a female camel to accept a newborn or take on an orphaned calf.

The singer does not stick to a single tune. If the mother is aggressive at first, the coaxer shifts the melody and slowly wins her over. The ritual takes place at dusk or twilight and requires skill with camels, along with a talent for singing and playing the horsehead fiddle or flute. UNESCO placed it on its List of Intangible Cul...