Australia is home to the world’s largest wild population of dromedary camels, found across the country’s vast arid interior. Their presence has significant ecological and economic implications.
How Camels Arrived and Thrived
Camels were first introduced to Australia in 1840. Between 1870 and 1920, an estimated 10,000 to 20,000 dromedary camels were imported from British India, Afghanistan, and the Arabian Peninsula. These animals facilitated exploration, transport, and infrastructure development in Australia’s challenging arid regions. Proving more suitable than horses for harsh conditions, they could carry heavy loads and survive long periods without water. Camels were instrumental in constructing major infrastructure, including the Overland Telegraph Line and railways, opening up remote areas.
The camels’ working lives began to decline with the widespread adoption of motorized transport in the 1920s and 1930s. Many were subsequently released into the wild by their owners. These abandoned camels adapted remarkably well to Australia’s desert environments, which offered abundant forage and few natural predators. This favorable environment led to a rapid increase in their numbers, with the population growing from an estimated 15,000-20,000 in 1969 to over 1 million by 2008. The wild camel population was projected to double every 8 to 10 years if left unchecked.
The Impact of Australia’s Camel Population
Australia’s large, free-roaming camel population has significant ecological impacts. Camels are selective feeders, consuming over 80% of available plant species in their range, leading to damage to native vegetation, including traditional food plants used by Aboriginal communities. Their foraging and trampling contribute to soil erosion and the degradation of sensitive ecosystems, such as fragile salt lake environments. Camels also compete with native wildlife for essential water and food resources, especially during droughts, and can foul waterholes, rendering them unusable for other species.
Beyond environmental concerns, the extensive camel population has notable economic consequences. Camels can cause substantial damage to rural infrastructure, including fences, water pipes, taps, and pumps. This damage disrupts pastoral operations and can lead to livestock escaping. Competition for grazing and water resources with domestic livestock also results in economic losses for the agricultural sector. The total annual economic damage attributed to feral camels, including infrastructure damage and production losses, has been estimated to be in the millions of dollars. Camels can also exhibit aggressive behavior towards domestic animals and people, especially during mating season, posing a safety risk.
Managing and Utilizing Australia’s Camels
To manage the extensive wild camel population, various strategies have been implemented. Aerial culling is a primary method for reducing camel densities, particularly in remote and inaccessible areas, due to its effectiveness in achieving large-scale population reduction. For example, the Australian Feral Camel Management Project, active from 2009 to 2013, aimed to mitigate impacts by reducing camel densities, and by its conclusion, around 160,000 camels had been removed, with over 130,000 through aerial culling. Ground mustering and culling are also employed, sometimes for commercial purposes like pet meat. Fencing off specific sensitive areas can help protect them from camel intrusion.
In addition to management efforts, commercial uses for Australia’s camels are developing. The camel meat industry processes animals for human consumption and pet food, providing an economic incentive for their removal. Live export of camels is another avenue, with animals being sent to other countries. A growing industry revolves around camel milk production, with several dairies operating across Australia. Australian camel herds are considered healthy and disease-free, contributing to the appeal of their milk, and its market continues to expand. Some operations also offer tourism experiences, such as camel rides and farm tours.