India, July 27 -- The rare Malvi or white camel breed, one of nine recognised camel breeds in India, is facing a serious threat of extinction with only 102 animals remaining, prompting the National Research Centre on Camel (NRCC) to launch a conservation programme, officials said.

According to the 2019 livestock census, the Malvi breed has witnessed a sharp decline and is now categorised as endangered. Scientists consider camel breeds with fewer than 300 breeding females to be at risk, placing Malvi along with Mewari and Mewati breeds, in the endangered category.

To address the crisis, the NRCC has procured 12 Malvi camels, including three males and nine females, and initiated a scientific breeding programme to increase their population...