Chapter 11: A multiple criteria decision support tool for feral camel management

Chapter 11: A multiple criteria decision support tool for feral camel management Report

Managing the impacts of feral camels in Australia: a new way of doing business

  • Author(s): Saalfeld, WK, Edwards, GP, Zeng, B, Lamb, DS,
  • Secondary Author(s): Edwards, GP, McGregor, MJ, Zeng, B, Vaarzon-Morel, P, Saalfeld, WK
  • Tertiary Author(s): Desert Knowledge CRC,
  • Published: 2008
  • Publisher: Desert Knowledge CRC
  • Volume: DKCRC Research Report No.47

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Abstract: Managing the impact of feral camels requires that management decisions are based on a synthesis of the current best available information on camel distribution and density, actual impacts, and the logistical and stakeholder constraints on implementing management. This research has identified a need to develop a cross-jurisdictional strategic approach to feral camel management based on an analysis of the impacts of the animals across the full range of their distribution. Scoping the problem identified a number of characteristics which suggest that a spatially based Multiple Criteria Decision Support Tool could help define strategic management plans. The key supporting factors (including feral camel distribution and density; impact data; logistical factors such as roads, bores, airstrips, etc; land manager attitudes to management options; locality of key infrastructure; and sites of significance) are spatial in nature and the management frame is characterised by the need to account for trade-offs between a range of required or desired outcomes. The results produced by the Decision Support Tool are not intended to address fine or local-scale management but are applicable at a broadscale. The size of individual density cells (area cells to which a density value applies) used in the analysis was 0.5 degrees of latitude by 0.5 degrees of longitude. This is due to two major factors: the sheer scale of the feral camel distribution, which encompasses almost 50% of the total area of Australia; and the coarse minimum resolution from the spatial data used. However, with less grainy data the model can be easily adapted to support decision making at a more local level. This research only considered six potential management methods for use in managing feral camel impact: aerial culling ground culling commercial extraction for live export commercial extraction for pet meat commercial extraction for human consumption fencing sensitive areas.

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Saalfeld, WK, Edwards, GP, Zeng, B, Lamb, DS,, 2008, Chapter 11: A multiple criteria decision support tool for feral camel management, Volume:DKCRC Research Report No.47, Report, viewed 06 November 2025, https://www.nintione.com.au/?p=4825.

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