FeralFeast! - Invasive Species DownUnder

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Main > Camels

Control Methods

Camels

Camels are not the biggest pest in Australia, therefore the need for eradication (as well as being on a priority list for culling) is no where near as urgent as the need for the eradication of foxes, rabbits or feral cats. Nevertheless, the camel is still an introduced species and does have an impact on the environment. Hopefully in the near future, we will be able to reduce the number of feral animals in Australia.

The major method for controlling this animal is to capture the camels, attempting to tame them in order to be used as beasts of burden, and exporting to their native homeland of the Middle East. This is called Mustering. Mustering is also a common form of control used on feral horses/brumbies.

Feral camels can be tamed, but with huge difficulty. Many people do not have enough money to build facilities in which to train the camels, and those who do, simply do not have the time, knowledge or trained people to do this enormous task

Because the camel can be exported and used overseas as beasts of burden or as pets, race animals or in zoos or private collections, therefore bringing some form of profit to the Australian Economy, there is no urgent need for controls such as shooting, trapping or poisons..

An interesting fact is that Australia has the only wild population of Dromedary Camels in the world. Camels are also killed for the consumption of their flesh. This started in the 1980’s in Alice Springs, central Australia. Camel meat may also be used in canned dog food.

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