Camels were first introduced into Australia from the Canary Islands in 1840. In 2015 there were estimated at well over one million feral camels in Australia and that population can double in size every nine years. The January 2020 South Australian cull achieved the removal of 6,000 Camels which accounted for only 1% of the population in the far north of the State.

Although having a slower breeding cycle than other feral species, they have few predators other than human intervention and can live for up to 50 years, and may actively breed for 30 years, with females coming on heat several times a year. 

Camels cause major damage to fence lines and will often demolish long lines of fence for no apparent reason. They also foul and damage water points, especially in drought and have damaged indigenous sacred sites. They behave aggressively towards sheep and cattle, sometimes depriving them of feed or water when in large enough numbers.

Camels are susceptible to several diseases such as tuberculosis and brucellosis which are serious diseases of livestock. Attempts to eradicate these diseases must consider the possibility of a disease reservoir remaining in the local feral camel population. With approximately 5,000 Camels per annum being mustered for export and commercial sale in the NT some of our clients prefer mustering, however our proven method of protecting environmentally sensitive areas (especially during drought) is an aerial shooting solution.