Abstract:

The study aimed to identify the indigenous knowledge of camel husbandry in the territory of Kalkuyee nomads in Masileh plain of Qom province, who have a long history of camel husbandry in this region. The way of obtaining the data is in the field with the continuous presence of the tribes of the Kalkuyee tribe in the form of interview, observation, filming and photography during three years. Also, in addition to individual interviews with native camel herders and nomadic experts, group interviews were also used in order to collect data and gain knowledge about the local knowledge of camel herders. The information has been classified based on convergence and divergence. The findings include indigenous knowledge related to naming, marking, the position of camels, characteristics of good camels, and reproduction among nomads of Kalkuyee tribe.  The results of the research in the territory of Kalkuyee nomads showed that they have local knowledge and extensive work experience in camel husbandry. The study draw and conclude that from the local knowledge of camel herders  that camel herding has long been a traditional and cultural activity with specific regional characteristics, and with camel herding and traditional life.