Ruqayyah Snyder
Australia has the largest population of feral camels in the world, with over 300,000 across the country. Feral camels were first introduced to Australia in 1840 from the Canary Islands and now roam the Australian Outback in large herds, causing damage to the country's fragile ecosystems. They can be found in South Australia, Northern Territory, and Western Australia, with the highest densities found in the Northern Territory, confined to two main regions: the Simpson Desert and the western desert area of the Central Ranges, Great Sandy Desert and Tanami Desert.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of feral camels in Australia | Between 300,000 and 1.2 million |
| Population growth | Capable of doubling in number every 8 to 10 years |
| Geographical range | Central Australia, Victoria River District, South Australia, Northern Territory, Western Australia, the Australian Outback |
| Specific regions | Simpson Desert, Great Sandy Desert, Tanami Desert, Strzelecki Desert |
| Environmental impact | Damage to vegetation, destabilization of dune crests, fouling of waterholes, competition with native animals for food and shelter, loss of sequestered carbon in vegetation |
| Control methods | Aerial culling, ground culling, fencing |
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What You'll Learn
Feral camels in the Northern Territory
Australia has the largest population of feral camels, with over one million across the country. Feral camels are found in over 37% of mainland Australia, and in the Northern Territory (NT), they are found in over 40% of the land area. The population in the NT is thought to have doubled between 1990 and 2000, and it is estimated to be increasing by 10% per year.
Camels were first introduced to Australia in the 1840s as beasts of burden for exploration and development in arid areas. By the mid-1890s, more than 4500 camels had been imported for use in the goldfields of Central Australia and Western Australia. Over time, the camel population grew, and they spread throughout Central Australia, primarily inhabiting desert regions.
In the Northern Territory, feral camels have a significant impact on the environment and local ecosystems. They feed on more than 80% of available plant species, leading to degradation of native vegetation. This overgrazing particularly affects the curly pod wattle, bean tree, quandong, plumbush, and supplejack. The impact on vegetation is more pronounced during drier years. Feral camels also foul waterholes and damage stock fences, infrastructure at cattle watering points, and fragile salt lake ecosystems.
To manage the growing population of feral camels and mitigate their environmental impact, the Australian government has implemented various control measures. These include ground and aerial culling operations, with aerial shooting considered the most effective and humane method for remote areas. In 2012, a large-scale aerial culling operation in the southwest NT removed 11,560 feral camels over 12 days. While culling efforts have reduced camel numbers, inconsistent management and the wide-ranging mobility of these camels make population control challenging.
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Camels in South Australia
Australia has the largest population of feral camels in the world. The country is home to over a million feral camels, with this number doubling every eight to ten years. These camels are found across Central Australia and in the Victoria River District regions.
Camels were first introduced to Australia from the Canary Islands in 1840. They were used as beasts of burden for transport and sustenance during the exploration and colonisation of the Red Centre. By the 1860s, small groups of Muslim cameleers were shipped in and out of Australia to service South Australia's inland pastoral industry. They imported and ran camel trains, carting goods and transporting wool bales.
In South Australia, camel studs were set up in 1866 by Sir Thomas Elder and Samuel Stuckey at Beltana and Umberatana Stations. These studs provided high-class breeders for the Australian camel trade for about 50 years. Camels were also used for inland exploration and in the construction of the Overland Telegraph Line.
Today, camels continue to roam the outback of South Australia, with some being sourced and fattened in feedlots for human consumption. The Northern Territory Government estimates that more than a million feral camels are roaming Australia's outback, with around 5,000 camels processed each year for human consumption. Camel meat is becoming increasingly popular in Australia, with several food companies selling it.
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Camel trekking in Western Australia
Australia has the largest population of feral camels in the world, with over one million roaming the outback. The country is also home to the only herd of dromedary (one-humped) camels exhibiting wild behaviour globally. With such a vast population, camel trekking has become a popular activity for tourists looking to explore the rugged Australian landscape.
One company offering camel trekking in Western Australia is Red Sun Camels, which provides daily camel rides on Cable Beach. The world-renowned beach is famous for its sunsets, providing a picturesque backdrop for an unforgettable experience. During the one-hour sunset ride, a personal guide shares insights about each camel's unique story and personality. The company also offers professional photos and a range of camel souvenirs to commemorate the experience.
For those seeking a more immersive journey, Nomadic Spirit Journeys & Camel Treks Australia offers eco-tourism experiences combining camel riding, bushwalking, and camping on guided Outback adventures. With over 25 years of experience, the company prioritises ethical and respectful interactions with the land, animals, and local communities. Their itineraries are carefully crafted, offering authentic and meaningful journeys that showcase the lesser-seen Tirari Desert and the unique culture of the region.
In addition to these operators, Pilbara Camel Trekking also offers camel trekking tours in Western Australia. Their tours combine adventure and cultural immersion, including storytelling, educational interactions, and traditional bush cooking. With experienced guides, they tailor their tours to meet the interests and needs of their guests, ensuring a memorable and enriching experience.
Whether it's a leisurely ride on Cable Beach or a multi-day Outback adventure, camel trekking in Western Australia promises a unique and captivating experience. With the opportunity to connect with nature, learn about Indigenous culture, and form bonds with these gentle creatures, it's an activity that leaves a lasting impression.
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Ecological impact of camels
Australia has the world's largest population of feral camels, with over one million dromedary (one-humped) camels exhibiting wild behaviour. This population is capable of doubling in number every 8 to 10 years. While their impact on the environment is not as severe as some other pests introduced to Australia, camels do have a significant ecological impact.
Camels feed on more than 80% of available plant species, and their presence has been shown to cause serious damage to native vegetation. In the Northern Territory, where camel densities exceed two animals per square kilometre, fragile ecosystems in the Simpson Desert, the Great Sandy Desert, and the Tanami Desert have been degraded. Camels are particularly destructive to the curly pod wattle, bean tree, quandong, plumbush, and supplejack. This damage is exacerbated during drier years and affects important food plants used by Aboriginal people.
Feral camels also impact fragile salt lake ecosystems and foul waterholes, which are significant sites for Aboriginal communities and native plants. They destabilise dune crests, contributing to soil erosion. Additionally, camels compete with native animals for food and shelter, and their foraging behaviour, trampling, and browsing can suppress the growth of some plant species while damaging wetlands and cultural sites. Camels can also cause significant damage to infrastructure, including taps, pumps, toilets, and cattle watering points, especially during droughts when they aggressively seek water sources.
However, some researchers argue that feral camels may benefit their ecosystem in certain ways. They may fill ecological niches left by extinct Australian megafauna, contributing to a decline in wildfires and helping control introduced weeds.
To manage the ecological impact of feral camels, the Australian government has implemented various strategies, including the National Feral Camel Action Plan and the Australian Feral Camel Management Project (AFCMP), which aimed to work with landholders to build capacity for camel management while reducing impacts on key environmental and cultural sites. Ground and aerial culling operations have also been conducted to control camel populations in remote and inaccessible areas.
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Culling camel populations
Australia has the largest population of feral camels in the world, with estimates ranging from several hundred thousand to over one million. These camels are descended from dromedary camels imported to Australia in the 19th century as beasts of burden. Camels were used to help colonists survey the country's vast interior, but many were released into the wild once motorised transport was introduced in the early 20th century.
Feral camels have become an invasive species in Australia, causing damage to the environment, agriculture, and cultural sites. They feed on more than 80% of available plant species, leading to serious degradation of native vegetation. This has impacted fragile salt lake ecosystems and fouled waterholes, which are important sites for Aboriginal people and native plants. The camels also destabilise dune crests, contributing to erosion, and damage infrastructure such as stock fences and buildings.
In response to the growing feral camel population and its impacts, the Australian government has implemented culling programs. The Australian Feral Camel Management Project (AFCMP), managed by Ninti One Limited and funded by the Australian government, ran from 2009 to 2013. The project aimed to work with landholders to build their capacity to manage feral camels and reduce their impacts on the environment and cultural sites. By the completion of the project in 2013, the AFCMP had reduced the feral camel population by 160,000 camels, including over 130,000 through aerial culling and 12,000 through ground culling.
Despite these efforts, the feral camel population in Australia continues to grow. Drought conditions and increasing contact with human settlements have exacerbated the problem. Ranchers and farmers have resorted to culling camels themselves to protect their properties and water supplies. The culling of feral camels is often done through aerial shooting by professional shooters or government contractors, as it is considered the most effective and humane method for large feral herbivores in remote areas.
The management of feral camels in Australia remains a complex and ongoing challenge, with experts warning that failing to control the population will lead to further crises during droughts and increased impacts on rural communities.
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Frequently asked questions
Feral camels can be found across Central Australia, in the Victoria River District regions, and in the Northern Territory, where they are confined to two main regions: the Simpson Desert and the western desert area of the Central Ranges, Great Sandy Desert and Tanami Desert.
There are over 300,000 feral camels across Australia, with estimates ranging from 600,000 to 1.2 million.
Feral camels have been found to damage fragile ecosystems, including salt lake ecosystems, and foul waterholes. They destabilise dune crests, which can contribute to erosion, and compete with livestock and native herbivores for food. Camels also damage infrastructure, such as stock fences and water points, and disrupt native wildlife habitats.
