This weeks PhotoHunt theme is free.
Between 1860 and 1907 an estimated 10,000 to 12,000 camels were imported into Australia, and used as draft, pack and riding animals by people pioneering Central Australia. The animals were perfect for traversing the arid and isolated interior. Not only were they able to travel great distances across hot, dry, sandy deserts with little food and water, but they could carry and haul heavy loads. In the mid 1920's, when motor vehicles began operating in the central areas of Australia, most camels were set free.
Today, it is not uncommon to come across one of the feral descendants of the original imported camels in the Australian Outback. In fact, it is the only place in the world you can see a one-humped camel in the wild.
Recently we took a wrong turn near Alice Springs and happened to come across this big guy.
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Itis ironic that Australian camels are the only dromedaries to be seen in the wild... THey seem to be well established in their new homes. Great take on the theme
ReplyDeleteI am always amazed at the animals in Australia. From some one raised in the USA I just cannot imagine coming across a wild camel anywhere.
ReplyDeleteOh my goodness! That is very interesting. These camels would indeed be free! Wonderful take on the theme and thank you for the educational aspect, as well!
ReplyDeleteHappy Weekend!
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Wow, what an amazing sight to happen upon! I'm glad it worked out for the camels in Australia. Excellent take on the theme!
ReplyDeletewow, I love that. Thanks for that interesting pic!
ReplyDeleteHi Maya, great photo and take on this week's theme. I did not know that they had one hump camals and in Australia. I enjoyed reading about the background history of how they have come to roam free there. That's so cool for them. Thanks so much for sharing.
ReplyDeletei didn't know there are camels in Australia. wonderful take on the theme.
ReplyDeleteI had heard about the feral camels of Australia but this is the first time I've seen a photo of one. Thanks for sharing. :)
ReplyDeletealoha,
ReplyDeletei love your interpretation of free, this is very interesting to learn about these camels that were set free and are now feral...who knew?
I always learn something in PhotoHunt!
ReplyDeleteNever knew there were feral camels anywhere.
~ CGQ
I didn't know that there is a camel in Australia? That is why I like to visit Australia because it seems that there are so many things to discover there. Happy Saturday!
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Cool!
ReplyDeletehttp://mudpuddle.wordpress.com/2010/07/10/photohunter-free
I think it would be so unusual to come across one of those. It still seems strange that they are there.
ReplyDeleteLovely!
ReplyDeleteI am late with my post, but here hoping you can still take a peek on my FREE stuff.
I also didn't know there were camels in Australia. Interesting.
ReplyDeleteThanks everyone for stopping in. Before arriving Down Under I didn't know that there were wild camels living in the outback. They have actually become a bit of problem. They are also hunted for their meat, which can be bought at specialty stores and markets. There is more to the animal than meets the eye and I see another blog about camels in the future.
ReplyDeleteSorry so late in commenting. How cool to run into a camel. I wonder what he was thinking? His face is very expressive. Great choice.
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