The population of feral camels (Camelus dromedarius) in Australia is currently estimated to be around one million with numbers increasing at around 8% per year. At high densities camels can have serious impacts on vegetation and have the potential to cause significant production losses through competition with cattle. They can also damage fences and watering points, particularly during times of drought.
Control methods include capture (by trapping at watering points or mustering), exclusion fencing, ground shooting and shooting from helicopters. Feral camels are mustered by helicopter, motorbike (or other vehicle) or on horseback, often with the assistance of coacher camels. Once mustered into yards, the camels are usually sold to abattoirs for slaughter which can offset the costs of capture and handling.
This standard operating procedure (SOP) is a guide only; it does not replace or override the legislation that applies in the relevant state or territory jurisdiction. The SOP should only be used subject to the applicable legal requirements (including WH&S) operating in the relevant jurisdiction.
| Secondary title | Standard Operating Procedure |
|---|---|
| Author | Sharp, T. |
| Year | 2012 |
| Pages | 8 |
| Notes | CAM003 |
| Control method | Harvest |
| Region | Australia - national |
| Documents | CAM003: Mustering of feral camels [490kb PDF] |
| Links | https://www.pestsmart.org.au/animal-welfare/humane-codes/ |
