The camels in Uluru were introduced as a means of transport during the 1840s.
1. Camels were brought into the Red Centre in the 1840s
During the 1840s colonisation of the Red Centre, Camels were introduced to Australia to explore the dry terrain of the Australian outback. They were initially brought in so that they could be ‘beasts of burden’ to explore the outback and to carry heavy loads.
These feral camels were transported from the Middle East and North Africa.
In the 19th century, they were no longer needed…many of them were released back into the wild after cars and vehicles were able to replace them. Then, their population sizes went overboard, as it was estimated that by 2008, there were around 1 million species of camel.
2. Australia has the largest population of camels in the world
It’s estimated that there are around 1 million camels in Australia! The population might even double in size every 9 years or so due to the sheer number of them. They’re more commonly found in the centre of Australia. That’s two camels per square kilometre.
They’re most found in over 40% of the area. Camels were introduced into Australia from the Canary Islands. The camels play a vital role in transport and communication.
The feral camels will feed on 80% of the plants available in the Northern Territory – they have well adapted to the area.
3. Camels have three sets of eyelids
Camels have very long, curly eyelashes.
Camels have three eyelids to protect their eyes from sand and debris. In such a desert environment this helps to reduce the dust that goes into their eyes, and acts as a kind of windscreen wiper. This protects their eyes.
4. They can survive for weeks without water
It’s no wonder that camels have survived so well in the Aussie outback. They don’t need water for weeks at a time, which means they can survive well in these Arid conditions.
Their humps store fat which provides enough energy to keep them going for weeks. Their thick fur also insulates them from the heat.
Camel riding in Uluru
Tourists can go camel riding in Uluru, as a unique way of exploring the red centre and it’s chalky terrain. A lot of stations around the Red Centre still keep camels and use them on their farms.