In response to an ever-growing camel population, the government of Australia has approved $16 million in federal funds earmarked to reduce the herd. First introduced to Australia in the 1800’s as an efficient mode of transportation in the Outback, camels have become problematic for ranchers and farmers in recent years as a result of their growing numbers.
It is widely believed that the most feasible and economically sound manner in which to reduce the population is to allow sharpshooters to eliminate the camels from helicopter, a method that is opposed by animal rights groups, that prefer the introduction of a birth control pill to stop population growth. Advocates of the agriculture industry argue that birth control measures would not work, as it would still allow the present herd to continue battling livestock for food sources for the lifespan of each camel – up to 30 years.
Regardless of the methodology, both sides agree that some form of intervention is necessary in the immediate future, as the government continues to mull its options.