Feral camels in Western Australia

About feral camels

Background:

• From 1840 to 1907, between 10 000 and 20 000 one-humped dromedary camels (Camelus dromedaries) were imported into Australia. Camels were used as transport and to assist in exploration. A grown male camel can carry up to 600 kilograms.
• Large numbers of camels were used in the Western Australian goldfields in the 1890s. Camels hauled heavy machinery and transported supplies as well as people. Racing camels was also a popular pastime amongst prospectors and Afghan traders.
• By 1930, camels had largely been replaced by motor vehicles and rail transport.
• Some of the unwanted camels were destroyed, but most were simply released into the wild.
• Camels are highly suited to the dry remote areas of Australia. Released camels thrived and bred prolifically.

Distribution:

Feral camel distribution in Australia

• Feral camels occur in approximately 40 per cent of the Australian mainland. They live mostly in the drier parts of Western Australia, South Australia and the Northern Territory (distribution map)
• Camels range widely over sandy areas but avoid wet or very rocky regions. In Western Australia, camels are present in the arid central desert areas but do not extend into the rugged areas of the Kimberley.
• Feral camel numbers in Western Australia are estimated to be around 500 000 (2007). This is approximately 50 per cent of the total Australian camel population.
• Western Australia is now home to the largest herd of feral camels in the world. Camel herds are now mostly domesticated in other parts of the world.
• In the Australian desert, camels may now out number red kangaroos by 100 to 1.

Camel biology and ecology:

• Camels can survive without water for long periods. Camels can also survive extreme dehydration without serious effects.
• Camels can travel up to 70 kilometres a day. Camels range freely and are not territorial.
• There are few factors that limit the growth of camel populations in arid zones of Australia. Camel populations have relatively few diseases. They have no natural predators. Camels usually have an adequate food supply as they can feed on more than 80% of the available plant species in most areas.
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  Camel mob
  Camels browse for food and can eat up to 3.5 kilograms of food per day. Camels can graze on low shrubs or vegetation up to 3.5 metres above the ground. This is a larger range than any other herbivore in Australia. Camels can go 5-7 days with little or no food and water, and can lose a quarter of its body weight without impairing normal functions.
• A thirsty camel can drink up to 200 litres of water in 3 minutes.
• Contrary to popular belief, a camels hump stores fat rather than water.
• Female camels, cows, usually live together in groups of about 30, with their calves. Female groups are temporarily herded by a male bull during mating season
• Male camels usually live alone or in bachelor groups of about 20 bulls.
• When water is scarce and their food supply becomes low, herds can reach up to 400 individuals.
• Camels can live for up to 50 years. They actively breed for 30 years of their life. Gestation lasts for 13 months. Cows give birth to a single calf every 2 years.
• Camels sleep for between 2 to 3 hours per day.