Feral – and threatened? Endangered camels, banteng and hog deer have found an unexpected refuge in Australia

Feral, and threatened? Endangered camels, banteng and hog deer have found an unexpected refuge in Australia. These species, which are abundant in the country, are classified as extinct or endangered in their native regions. This situation raises complex questions about conservation priorities and the role of introduced species in preserving biodiversity. Australia hosts millions of large feral animals, including pigs, camels, deer, horses, water buffalo, cattle and goats. These species were introduced deliberately for purposes such as transport, livestock or sport. Over time, many have formed wild populations. Governments invest heavily each year to control these animals, citing their impact on ecosystems through grazing and trampling. In recent decades, populations of these herbivorous feral species have increased significantly. The introduction of non-native species has led to the extinction of dozens of native species since European colonization began. Many more are currently in decline. Conservation efforts have focused on reducing threats to remaining species to prevent further losses. Feral animals are believed to contribute to these challenges, along with habitat fragmentation, climate change and the disruption of traditional Indigenous land management practices. Despite this, some feral animals are thriving in Australia while facing extinction elsewhere. Dromedary camels, for example, have been absent from the deserts of North Africa and the Middle East for approximately 2,000 years. Now considered extinct in the wild, they survive in Australia after being introduced in the early 20th century as pack animals. Wild camel herds now roam the arid landscapes of the continent. Similarly, banteng, a type of wild cattle native to Southeast Asia, are critically endangered in their homeland due to hunting, habitat loss and disease. Banteng were introduced to Australia's northern territories during a failed British settlement attempt near Darwin. Left behind when the settlers departed, they have flourished in the region. Today, one of their key refuges is the Northern Territory. Among the six deer species introduced to Australia, three face global threats. Hog deer, introduced to Victoria in the 1860s as a game species, are now endangered in their native range in South and Southeast Asia. Javan rusa deer and sambar deer, though listed as vulnerable and declining in their native ranges, maintain stable populations in Australia. Australian authorities have long viewed feral animals as pests requiring control or eradication. This approach stems from concerns about protecting native species and ecosystems. However, the growing populations of certain feral species may serve as an unexpected safeguard against extinction for species otherwise at risk. Globally, about 20% of introduced mammal species are threatened in their native regions, and nearly half of all introduced megafauna, those weighing over 45 kilograms, are either threatened or extinct in their original habitats. This suggests that some introduced species might play a crucial role in maintaining biodiversity. The debate over whether to conserve introduced species continues. While many conservationists advocate for controlling them due to their potential harm to native wildlife, agriculture and ecosystems, others argue for a more nuanced approach. The presence of these species in Australia highlights the need for careful consideration of conservation strategies that balance ecological impacts with the preservation of biodiversity.