2500 feral camels culled so far

Posted Fri Dec 11, 2009 6:04pm AEDT

Local government authorities in Central Australia say about 2500 feral camels have been culled so far near the small community of Docker River.

A marksman began shooting the camels from the air earlier this week after the community complained it was under siege from thousands of them.

Des Rogers from the Macdonnell Shire says the cull should be finished by the end of today.

"I had a phone call at six o'clock this morning saying there was still about 600-odd camels in close proximity to the community and about 120 in the yard there this morning," he said.

"I believe they are going to carry on today so the tally will be around 3000."

He says it has been a cooperative effort to get the job done.

"Everyone working closely together, including the community people, including traditional owners, the Central Land Council, a whole bunch of different agencies, which has resulted in a good outcome."