More action needed to control feral camel populations
ABC1 (Perth), Stateline, 17/04/2009 07:45pm
Camels have become a pest in central Australia, with more than 1 million feral animals roaming the area. Scientists say a cull of the animals is needed to bring their numbers under control. Glenn Edwards, spokesperson, NT Natural Resources Department, says the population is doubling every nine years.
Ashley Severin, spokesperson, Curtin Springs Station says he is shooting more than 1000 camels a year. Station owners have been forced to fence dams to prevent them accessing dams. Camels often walk straight through regular fencing, dragging them out of alignment. Aboriginal communities are also struggling to coexist with the enormous camel herd. Camels often invade townships in search of water.
Wayne Wright, CEO, MacDonnell Shire, says camels often knock off taps to access water.
Michael Gravener, spokesperson, MacDonnell Shire, says there can be 300 to 400 camels walking through town.
Janie Miama, resident, says a camel broke into her house.
Lyle Kenny, resident, says he adopted a baby camel earlier this year.
MacDonnell Shire has applied for a Federal Government infrastructure grant to camel-proof communities. An alliance of community groups, Aboriginal organisations and government agencies in central Australia has devised a $50m plan to cull camels.
Lyndee Matthews, spokesperson, Curtin Springs Station, says action is needed.
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