Proposed Camel Cull in Australia

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pinkcatkin

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So 40,000 feral camels are to be culled from the air in Australia, just like they did (or do?)the wild Brumbies.

I remember the pictures of the horses shot from the air, it was not a pretty sight, especially the terrified foals that were left with dead or dying dams.

On one hand I ask how can this be allowed to take place in this day and age, and on the other hand is there any other alternative?

Thoughts?

http://www.news.com.au/adelaidenow/story/0,,24774855-5006301,00.html
 
Yet another seemingly 'good idea' gone wrong! when will we learn that many alien species introductions cannot be left unmanaged. Unfortunately if the population is allowed to expand too much they can out compete native species and also eachother. As unsavourary as it may seem, an aerial cull is probably the only way to reduce numbers due to the vast distances in oz and when properly conducted can be very efficient.
 
40,000 is a drop in the ocean! The feral camel problem has been building for many years - out of sight and out of mind of the vast majority of Australians. We're talking VAST areas of desert over 4 states - more than 3 million square kilometres!!

Numbers are estimated to be increasing at some 80,000 a year - in areas where there just isn't the food or water to sustain them. And it's a political hot potato because a lot of the areas are aboriginal lands.

The conditions for culling are extreme - and camels are fast and wily. A good TB will keep up with camels over a short distance; a land rover would struggle because of the terrain and the sand. In some areas, professional teams of shooters make a good living culling - it's kept quiet! Numerous 'good ideas' have failed - because the distances, the lack of infrastructure etc. etc. mean they just can't be made to work.

But something DOES have to be done - and soon!!
 
i hate the idea of it
frown.gif
seems barbaric to me

but i understand why they have to do it, wish they didnt tho
 
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