Overview
Australia is home to millions of large feral animals across multiple species. While considered feral, certain populations—specifically camels, banteng, and hog deer—represent endangered and threatened species that have found an unexpected geographic refuge on the continent.
Research Context
A variety of large non-native animals were deliberately introduced to Australia to serve specific human purposes, including transport, livestock, and hunting. The species brought to the continent under these circumstances include:
- Pigs
- Camels
- Deer
- Horses
- Water buffalo
- Cattle
- Goats
Following their deliberate release or escape, many of these species successfully established self-sustaining wild populations throughout Australia.
Findings
Australia's feral populations have reached an aggregate scale numbering in the millions. Within this broad assemblage of wild, introduced animals, several species—including camels, banteng, and hog deer—are recognized as threatened or endangered, creating a scenario where Australia serves as an unintended sanctuary for otherwise imperiled fauna.