Feral camels (Camelus dromedarius) are an escalating problem across parts of Western Australia’s rangelands and pastoral zones. Originally introduced in the 1800s, camels now exist in large unmanaged populations across arid and semi-arid landscapes, where they cause widespread damage to pastoral infrastructure, fragile ecosystems, and cultural sites.

WA landholders – particularly in the Goldfields, Pilbara, and Western Desert regions – are increasingly affected by camel movements, especially during drought or dry periods.

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🏚️ Why Feral Camels Are a Problem

Camels:

• Damage fences, water points, and tanks when seeking water
• Strip vegetation, trample sensitive plant species, and destroy habitat
• Compete with livestock for limited feed and water
• Threaten cultural and heritage sites, including sacred waterholes
• Pose safety risks on roads and airstrips

During dry spells, camels may gather in large mobs (50–200+) and cause significant concentrated impact in a matter of days.

See below Youtube short for example of damage from camels on @jack_out_the_back yards.
https://youtube.com/shorts/D-5RN1sTW6E?si=_e34Z1HrXuT1RjEI

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✅ Best Practice Camel Control Options

1. Ground-Based Shooting (Professional Shooters)

Ground shooting by licensed, experienced professionals is the most precise and humane way to manage smaller or problem-specific camel groups — particularly near:

• Infrastructure
• Communities
• Culturally sensitive areas
  

At Resting Reds, we provide targeted ground control with trained marksmen using high-calibre rifles and ethical practices, in line with national welfare guidelines.

2. Aerial Shooting

In remote areas with large herds, aerial control by helicopter may be effective. However:

• It is costly and requires coordination with government agencies
• It is unsuitable in built-up or culturally sensitive regions

3. Mustering and Removal

Live capture and sale may be an option for properties near commercial facilities, but mustering is logistically demanding and often unviable due to poor access or limited infrastructure.

Ground-based professional control remains the most accessible, affordable, and low-impact method for individual landholders.

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📋 Legal, Welfare & Permit Requirements

Feral camel control in WA must align with:

• Code of Practice for the Humane Control of Feral Camels (PestSmart Toolkit)
• WA firearm laws and animal welfare legislation
• Indigenous landholder consultation and permission where applicable

Resting Reds operates with full licensing and sensitivity to environmental and cultural values.

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📞 Need Camel Control on Your WA Property?

If feral camels are damaging your infrastructure, competing for water, or threatening your land, we can help.

At Resting Reds – Fauna Services, we offer professional ground-based camel control across remote and rural WA — backed by local knowledge, safe practice, and precision.

📞 Call 0450 303 434 or message us for a consultation.

Let’s protect your land before the damage adds up.