数十年来，骆驼在殖民统治者的日常生活中仍然是宝贵的资产。它们需求量大，因为可以用于长途旅行和运输，深入大陆内部。此外，它们能够数周不饮水的能力对干旱地区的探险是个优势。但你是否曾想过哪个国家拥有世界上最大的骆驼群？

世界上最大的野生骆驼群位于澳大利亚，估计数量约为30万，分布在该大陆的37%。澳大利亚对骆驼感到厌倦，已将其标记为“害虫”，并将其视为需要阻止扩散的外来入侵物种。

骆驼是如何来到澳大利亚的？

骆驼不同于马，特别适合在澳大利亚内陆最干燥的地区生存。 

它们需求量很大，因为可以用于深入大陆内部的长途旅行。此外，它们数周不饮水的能力对在干旱地区旅行是额外的好处。

数十年来，骆驼在澳大利亚殖民统治者的日常生活中仍是重要资产。到1907年，英国已向澳大利亚进口约2万只骆驼，主要来自印度、阿富汗和中东地区。

骆驼通常由骑手陪同，这些骑手大多是穆斯林。他们在澳大利亚的成长中发挥了关键作用。通过携带茶叶、烟草等物品进行贸易，他们开始与土著社区融合。（来源：India Today） 

骆驼的快速人口增长

从1920年代起，澳大利亚家养骆驼的数量开始下降。在接下来的十年里，澳大利亚大规模放弃了骆驼。创新的世界不断前进，使用机动汽车代替骆驼进行出行也随之发展。

一旦被放归野外，这些骆驼就变成了野生动物并迅速繁殖。1969年，估计在澳大利亚内陆徘徊的野生骆驼数量在1.5万至2万之间。在接下来的20年里，它们的数量翻了一倍以上。

Australia’s number of feral camels has lessened from 1 million to about 600,000. Wildlife experts warned that if this population growth went unchecked, their number would double in 8-10 years and be wiped out within decades. Soon after, the Australian government adopted the National Feral Camel Action Plan and began massive culling operations. (Source: India Today) 

Culling Operations for the Camel’s Increased Population

Culling operations in South Australia’s remote locations began on January 8, 2020. Almost 10,000 camels may be shot down by the end of the year. The local government, Anangu Pitjantjatjara Yankunytjatjara (APY) Lands, issued the decree.

In a statement issued on January 7, 2020, APY justified the culling as an immediate response to threats posed to residents by a surge in the number of feral camels due to drought and excessive heat.

Culling wild camels with helicopters has become routine in Australia. It is one of three methods used to keep their population in check. The other two are culling from the ground and exclusion fencing. (Source: India Today)