Camel usage and impacts at a permanent spring in central Australia: a case study
Jayne Brim-Box A F , Tracey Guest B , Peter Barker C , Mirjana Jambrecina B , Sean Moran D and Rene Kulitja EA Wildlife Use, Department of Natural Resources, Environment, the Arts and Sport, PO Box 1120, Alice Springs, NT 0871, Australia.
B Uluru–Kata Tjuta National Park, Natural and Cultural Resources, Yulara, NT 0872, Australia.
C Greening Australia NT, Alice Springs, NT, Australia.
D Central Land Council, Mutitjulu, NT, Australia.
E Maruku Arts, CMA Ininti Store, Ayers Rock, NT, Australia.
F Corresponding author. Email: brimbox@gmail.com
The Rangeland Journal 32(1) 55-62 https://doi.org/10.1071/RJ09042
Submitted: 3 July 2009 Accepted: 16 December 2009 Published: 23 March 2010
Abstract
The impact of camel usage at a small rockhole (‘X’) on the Petermann Aboriginal Land Trust was evaluated from May 2007 through to July 2008. Camel usage and impacts were determined through multiple methods including ground cover, vegetation and macroinvertebrate surveys and through the use of surveillance cameras and depth loggers. Camels appear to use X most heavily in periods when rainfall is scant and more at night than during the day. However, in long periods with little or no rainfall, it appears that camels use X heavily during the day and night and there is little chance for X to re-fill. The low number of macroinvertebrates present during the study period suggests that the aquatic fauna is negatively impacted by the presence of camels, as was the vegetation surrounding X. Shrubs near X showed signs of heavy browsing and the ground cover became denuded of vegetation due to camel browsing and trampling during dry periods. This could lead to long-term alterations in drainage patterns and erosion of the site. Follow-up vegetation and ground cover surveys are needed to better assess these impacts. X was and is a traditional source of drinking water for people travelling through the country. Preliminary microbial analysis indicated that at certain periods X is not suitable for drinking, even if the water itself looks ‘clean’ or clear. The faecal contamination evident was most probably due to camel use of the waterhole. These results have been discussed with traditional owners, but further microbial analyses may be needed for longer-term assessments.
Acknowledgments
We thank and greatly appreciate the guidance, discussions with and participation of the following traditional owners and Mutitjulu community members during our visits; Cassidy Uluru, Reggie Uluru, Steven Uluru, Johnny Jingo, Wangan No.1., Ashely Paddy, Lochlan Jingo, David Moneymoon, Robert Sevens, Richard Kulitja, Joyce Tjiliri, Wionna Palma, Selwyn Kurukringa, Pamala Ray and Bessie Nipper. We thank Daisy Walkabout, Phillip Driften, Mick Starkey, Sam Steel, Niall Stephen, Amber Forbes and Steve Anderson of UKTNP for their field and office help, insights and support for this assessment. We especially thank Rene and Richard Kulitja for their help and insights regarding rockhole X. We thank Andrew Drenen and David Alexander of the Central Land Council for their support and guidance. Glenn Edwards and two anonymous reviewers made helpful comments on earlier drafts of this manuscript. The work reported in this publication was supported by funding from the Australian Government Natural Heritage Trust through the Desert Knowledge CRC, UKTNP, Central Land Council, Greening Australia and Biodiversity Conservation South (NRETAS); the views expressed herein do not necessarily represent the views of the Australian Government or the Desert Knowledge CRC or its participants.
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