Movements and landscape use of camels in central Australia revealed by GPS satellite

We analysed the movement of seven female camels collared in the Anangu Pitjantjatjara Yankunytjatjara Lands of South Australia. Understanding the movement patterns of feral camels and subsequently where high densities are likely to threaten biodiversity and cultural assets, provides land managers and government agencies with information and decision support tools to manage camel impacts. Accordingly, we tested if there were any seasonal changes in camel movement, any measurable separation between home range and migration, and any relationship between broader camel landscape use, rainfall and mountainous terrain. We fitted ARGOS GPS satellite collars to seven female camels in South Australia during August 2007 and found evidence to suggest that over a 12-month study period, some camels had returned to locations that they had previously visited. This cyclic movement pattern was more regular up to ∼50 days, however, one collared individual returned to a previous location after 300 days. Despite only having a small sample size, we did find camels moving into areas that received higher rainfalls in the warmer months and possibly some attraction of these camels to steep mountainous terrain over this period.