Feral camels cause problems in Australia

New research (Anthrozoos 2014; doi:10.2752/175303714X139038274 87449) has focused on the environmental and social history of the million-plus feral dromedary camels (Camelus dromedarius) that inhabit the Australian Outback. According to study author Sarah Crowley (Environment and Sustainability Institute, University of Exeter, Cornwall, UK), "Camels were [introducedand] used by Australian 'pioneers' as draft and transport animals, to explore and develop the infrastructure of the country; but the growth in motorized vehicles in the early 20th century significantly impacted their economic viability, and in the 1920s, large numbers were shot or released".