Camelids

In Western Australia, the two main camelids are dromedary camels and alpacas. 

In 2013, the Australian camel population was estimated at 300 000 of which 45% are believed roam the WA rangelands. Because of the large amount of damage they cause to pastoral infrastructure in WA, feral camels are declared pests under the provisions of the Biosecurity Agriculture and Management Act 2007. Domesticated camels are exempt from the declaration. A few WA businesses use camels as a tourist attraction or milk camels for cheese making.

In WA there are also 145 properties that run alpacas. The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development provides alpaca husbandry guidelines, flock registration, and animal welfare advice to land holders.

Articles

  • All livestock entering Western Australia are legally required to comply with the state's conditions of entry. Some stock are required undergo post-entry treatments, testing or inspections.