Crocs Hungry for Outback Camels (Via HerpDigest)

Crocs Hungry for Outback Camels (Australia)
North Queensland Register, 9/11/10
WILD camels from central Australia could be killed and fed to crocodiles under a new commercial agreement.

Australia's million-strong camel population is expected to double within the decade. Government-sanctioned culls were carried out at the end of last year to cut down the herd and provide relief for residents in remote communities overwhelmed by the thirsty animals. Arnhem Meats is about to begin harvesting camels around the Docker River area, near the epicentre of the enormous camel population.

The company's Tracker Tilmouth says the meat could be supplied to Top End animal farms. "They'll definitely be able to supply camels to the crocodile farms," he said. "Exactly how much they want and when they want it is another thing." Mr Tilmouth says there are lots of other uses for the camel.

"If we can get camels to an abattoir, there's definitely a market for hides and for the hump," Mr Tilmouth said. "The hump can be used for cosmetics because it's all fat and it will be rendered into tallow. "So there's a whole range of offtakes that has to be considered in relation to camels." The project will train local Aboriginal people and is expected to harvest up to 300 camels per week.
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