Latest news with #camel
Yahoo
16 hours ago
- Yahoo
Caravan photos highlight 'little-noticed' threat on Aussie roads as drivers warned
Travellers hitting the road in the Australian outback have been reminded about some of the less expected hazards they can encounter in remote parts of the country. One "shocked" caravan owner found that out the hard way after a fatal collision led to some costly recent repairs. His van is currently in the workshop in Western Australia as tradies put the finishing touches on repairs after he collided with a camel in northern parts of the state recently. And it's not as uncommon as it might sound. "You don't get surprised when people say it," a worker at RV Solutions, the caravan repair shop south of Perth, told Yahoo News about customers coming in following such accidents. The business has had a repair job from a camel as well as an emu collision this year. "Everyone drives back from up north where there are big, long roads with lots of wildlife around," the worker said. "The guy was pretty shocked," she added. "I asked if the camel was OK, and no, the camel was not OK." The company shared pictures on social media over the weekend showing other drivers what it looks like "when a caravan meets a camel". In this case, the vehicle being towed needed its front end to be rebuilt, the company said. Related: Caravan repairer warns over 'common' door locking trick Because they occupy an area far away from most Australian cities, feral camels are an often forgotten piece of Australia's invasive species problem. Earlier this year, one traveller doing a lap around the country shared his surprise when he came across five dead camels on the side of the road while driving along the Eyre Highway near Eucla. "You don't normally see something like that," the Melbourne man told Yahoo News in May. The same road was closed in both directions back in 2021 when a road train collided with two camels, causing it to jack-knife and block the highway in an incident which killed both camels. 🛣️ Warning over caravan trend as 'cowboy' players face growing scrutiny 😱 Tourists stunned by 'unlikely' camel sight on Aussie beach 🐫 Footprints at camping spot highlight Australia's rarely seen feral issue 'Little-noticed' feral camels cause millions of dollars in damage in Australia Camels were first brought to the area of Eucla in 1838 to help explore central Australia. They played an essential role in transporting supplies through the harsh terrain and were later used in Western Australia during the gold rush. Camels are highly mobile and can forage over 70km a day in groups that can include hundreds. While most females only give birth to one calf every couple of years, they can live up to 50 years and have very few threats in Australia other than human interaction. The species is well-suited to the outback environment, and as a result, Australia is home to the largest wild population of Arabian camels in the world, according to Pest Smart. "The Australian environment didn't evolve to cope with camels, and they cause enormous damage to desert ecosystems," Dr Carol Booth from the Invasive Species Council of Australia told Yahoo News recently. "Because they are in remote areas, the damage is very little noticed and not given a lot of attention." In 2009, it was estimated by researchers at the CSIRO that the annual economic cost of camels was about $11 million a year. According to the Northern Territory government, when left unchecked camel populations can double every eight to 10 years, so arguably the cost has continued to grow.
Arab News
04-08-2025
- Business
- Arab News
Somalia's camel milk revolution is creating jobs
MOGADISHU: Camels have long been the backbone of Somalia's pastoralist culture, feeding families, transporting goods and standing tall in local folklore. But on the dusty outskirts of the capital, the camel now finds itself at the center of an agricultural revolution that could redefine Somali farming. On a breezy Wednesday morning in mid-June, The Associated Press visited Beder Camel Farm — one of a new generation of camel dairies springing up around Mogadishu. Dozens of camels sauntered around sandy paddocks while others nibbled on fresh fodder under the watchful eyes of herders. In a nearby shed, workers carefully milked the animals and collected the frothy yield in sanitized containers. Demand for camel milk is growing, buoyed by a wave of local entrepreneurs who see untapped potential in a traditional resource. Somalia is home to over 7 million camels — more than any other country on Earth — but only a fraction of that milk has ever reached urban grocery shelves, according to industry estimates. At the heart of the shift toward a modern approach to camel milk production is Dr. Abdirisak Mire Hashi, a veterinarian and the farm's manager. For Hashi, it's not only about profit — it's about preserving heritage while embracing progress. 'Somalis take pride in their heritage of raising camels. However, the way camels are raised has changed significantly over time,' Hashi said as he inspected a milking herd. Each camel at Beder now produces up to 10 liters of milk daily — double what traditional herders typically yield. The increase is attributed to new investments in veterinary care, better feed, and modern milking practices. The camels are routinely checked by vets, given nutritional supplements, and grazed on scientifically blended fodder, a far cry from the roaming nomadic herds of decades gone by. 'We were among the first to establish this kind of farm back in 2006, when very few people even knew about commercial camel milk production,' said Jama Omar, CEO of Beder Camel Farm. 'Other farms have entered the market since then, but we currently hold around 40 percent of the market share.' 'We employ nearly 200 full-time staff,' he added. 'In addition, we bring in seasonal workers during key periods such as planting and harvest.' The farm's biggest leap may be its yogurt factory — the first in Somalia dedicated to processing camel milk into yogurt. Inside the factory, workers in white coats oversee stainless steel vats as fresh milk is cultured and packed. The final product is sold under the Beder brand which now retails in urban supermarkets across Mogadishu. Nelson Njoki Githu, a Kenyan-born food engineer overseeing the production line, says camel milk yogurt isn't just a novelty — it fills an important nutritional gap for local consumers. 'The number one benefit compared to cow milk is that camel milk has lower levels of lactose,' Githu explained. 'People with lactose intolerance can consume this milk without any issue. Again, the vitamin levels are higher, especially vitamin C, iron and zinc, compared to cow milk.' For nutritionist Dr. Yahye Sholle, camel milk yogurt is a public health boost in a country where malnutrition remains a challenge. 'It is rich in magnesium and calcium, which support bone health. Additionally, it contains vitamins B12, C, and D. It also includes friendly bacteria known as probiotics, which are beneficial for gut health,' he said. Such benefits have helped Beder's yogurt stand out in Mogadishu's increasingly competitive dairy market. Hashi said the next step is scaling up the business. He hopes to expand Beder's network of collection points beyond Mogadishu and plans to train pastoralists in remote areas on modern milking and hygiene practices so that more milk can be safely processed and sold. 'If we can modernize how we raise camels and handle the milk, we can create jobs, improve nutrition, and build pride in our own local products,' Hashi said. The Somali government is encouraging more investment in the industry. 'The benefits of camel milk are countless,' said Dr. Kasim Abdi Moalim, director of animal health at Somalia's Ministry of Livestock. 'In countries like the UAE, camel milk is also used for cosmetics. Somalia must catch up and develop the full value chain.' He said that government support is growing, with the establishment of a Dairy Act and a strategy for livestock sector development. 'A master investment plan is also in progress,' he added. Back at the paddock, a line of camels stretches into the golden afternoon light, their steady, patient footsteps a reminder that progress in Somalia often moves at the pace of tradition — slow but unstoppable. From ancient caravans that crossed deserts to supermarket shelves stocked with yogurt, the Somali camel's journey continues, one cup at a time.
Asharq Al-Awsat
04-08-2025
- Business
- Asharq Al-Awsat
Somalia's Camel Milk Revolution Is Improving Nutrition and Creating Jobs
Camels have long been the backbone of Somalia's pastoralist culture, feeding families, transporting goods and standing tall in local folklore. But on the dusty outskirts of the capital, the camel now finds itself at the center of an agricultural revolution that could redefine Somali farming. On a breezy Wednesday morning in mid-June, The Associated Press visited Beder Camel Farm — one of a new generation of camel dairies springing up around Mogadishu. Dozens of camels sauntered around sandy paddocks while others nibbled on fresh fodder under the watchful eyes of herders. In a nearby shed, workers carefully milked the animals and collected the frothy yield in sanitized containers. Demand for camel milk is growing, buoyed by a wave of local entrepreneurs who see untapped potential in a traditional resource. Modernizing camel milk production Somalia is home to over 7 million camels — more than any other country on Earth — but only a fraction of that milk has ever reached urban grocery shelves, according to industry estimates. At the heart of the shift toward a modern approach to camel milk production is Dr. Abdirisak Mire Hashi, a veterinarian and the farm's manager. For Hashi, it's not only about profit — it's about preserving heritage while embracing progress. 'Somalis take pride in their heritage of raising camels. However, the way camels are raised has changed significantly over time," Hashi told The Associated Press as he inspected a milking herd. Each camel at Beder now produces up to 10 liters (2.6 gallons) of milk daily — double what traditional herders typically yield. The increase is attributed to new investments in veterinary care, better feed, and modern milking practices. The camels are routinely checked by vets, given nutritional supplements, and grazed on scientifically blended fodder, a far cry from the roaming nomadic herds of decades gone by. Abdirisak Mire Hashi, a veterinarian and the farm's manager, drinks from a cup filled with camel milk in Beder Camel Farm on the outskirts of the capital Mogadishu, Somalia, Wednesday, June 18, 2025. (AP) 'We were among the first to establish this kind of farm back in 2006, when very few people even knew about commercial camel milk production,' said Jama Omar, CEO of Beder Camel Farm. 'Other farms have entered the market since then, but we currently hold around 40% of the market share.' 'We employ nearly 200 full-time staff,' he added. 'In addition, we bring in seasonal workers during key periods such as planting and harvest.' Pioneering camel milk yogurt The farm's biggest leap may be its yogurt factory — the first in Somalia dedicated to processing camel milk into yogurt. Inside the factory, workers in white coats oversee stainless steel vats as fresh milk is cultured and packed. The final product is sold under the Beder brand which now retails in urban supermarkets across Mogadishu. Nelson Njoki Githu, a Kenyan-born food engineer overseeing the production line, says camel milk yogurt isn't just a novelty — it fills an important nutritional gap for local consumers. 'The number one benefit compared to cow milk is that camel milk has lower levels of lactose,' Githu explained. 'People with lactose intolerance can consume this milk without any issue. Again, the vitamin levels are higher, especially vitamin C, iron and zinc, compared to cow milk.' For nutritionist Dr. Yahye Sholle, camel milk yogurt is a public health boost in a country where malnutrition remains a challenge. 'It is rich in magnesium and calcium, which support bone health. Additionally, it contains vitamins B12, C, and D. It also includes friendly bacteria known as probiotics, which are beneficial for gut health,' he said. Such benefits have helped Beder's yogurt stand out in Mogadishu's increasingly competitive dairy market. Yogurt produced by Beder Camel Farm on the outskirts of the capital Mogadishu, Somalia, Wednesday, June 18, 2025. (AP) Hashi said the next step is scaling up the business. He hopes to expand Beder's network of collection points beyond Mogadishu and plans to train pastoralists in remote areas on modern milking and hygiene practices so that more milk can be safely processed and sold. 'If we can modernize how we raise camels and handle the milk, we can create jobs, improve nutrition, and build pride in our own local products,' Hashi said. The Somali government is encouraging more investment in the industry. 'The benefits of camel milk are countless,' said Dr. Kasim Abdi Moalim, Director of Animal Health at Somalia's Ministry of Livestock. 'In countries like the UAE, camel milk is also used for cosmetics. Somalia must catch up and develop the full value chain.' He said that government support is growing, with the establishment of a Dairy Act and a strategy for livestock sector development. 'A master investment plan is also in progress,' he added. Back at the paddock, a line of camels stretches into the golden afternoon light, their steady, patient footsteps a reminder that progress in Somalia often moves at the pace of tradition — slow but unstoppable.
The Independent
04-08-2025
- Business
- The Independent
Somalia's camel milk revolution is improving nutrition and creating jobs
Camels have long been the backbone of Somalia 's pastoralist culture, feeding families, transporting goods and standing tall in local folklore. But on the dusty outskirts of the capital, the camel now finds itself at the center of an agricultural revolution that could redefine Somali farming. On a breezy Wednesday morning in mid-June, The Associated Press visited Beder Camel Farm — one of a new generation of camel dairies springing up around Mogadishu. Dozens of camels sauntered around sandy paddocks while others nibbled on fresh fodder under the watchful eyes of herders. In a nearby shed, workers carefully milked the animals and collected the frothy yield in sanitized containers. Demand for camel milk is growing, buoyed by a wave of local entrepreneurs who see untapped potential in a traditional resource. Modernizing camel milk production Somalia is home to over 7 million camels — more than any other country on Earth — but only a fraction of that milk has ever reached urban grocery shelves, according to industry estimates. At the heart of the shift toward a modern approach to camel milk production is Dr. Abdirisak Mire Hashi, a veterinarian and the farm's manager. For Hashi, it's not only about profit — it's about preserving heritage while embracing progress. 'Somalis take pride in their heritage of raising camels. However, the way camels are raised has changed significantly over time," Hashi told The Associated Press as he inspected a milking herd. Each camel at Beder now produces up to 10 liters (2.6 gallons) of milk daily — double what traditional herders typically yield. The increase is attributed to new investments in veterinary care, better feed, and modern milking practices. The camels are routinely checked by vets, given nutritional supplements, and grazed on scientifically blended fodder, a far cry from the roaming nomadic herds of decades gone by. 'We were among the first to establish this kind of farm back in 2006, when very few people even knew about commercial camel milk production,' said Jama Omar, CEO of Beder Camel Farm. 'Other farms have entered the market since then, but we currently hold around 40% of the market share.' 'We employ nearly 200 full-time staff,' he added. 'In addition, we bring in seasonal workers during key periods such as planting and harvest.' Pioneering camel milk yogurt The farm's biggest leap may be its yogurt factory — the first in Somalia dedicated to processing camel milk into yogurt. Inside the factory, workers in white coats oversee stainless steel vats as fresh milk is cultured and packed. The final product is sold under the Beder brand which now retails in urban supermarkets across Mogadishu. Nelson Njoki Githu, a Kenyan-born food engineer overseeing the production line, says camel milk yogurt isn't just a novelty — it fills an important nutritional gap for local consumers. 'The number one benefit compared to cow milk is that camel milk has lower levels of lactose,' Githu explained. ' People with lactose intolerance can consume this milk without any issue. Again, the vitamin levels are higher, especially vitamin C, iron and zinc, compared to cow milk.' For nutritionist Dr. Yahye Sholle, camel milk yogurt is a public health boost in a country where malnutrition remains a challenge. 'It is rich in magnesium and calcium, which support bone health. Additionally, it contains vitamins B12, C, and D. It also includes friendly bacteria known as probiotics, which are beneficial for gut health,' he said. Such benefits have helped Beder's yogurt stand out in Mogadishu's increasingly competitive dairy market. Hashi said the next step is scaling up the business. He hopes to expand Beder's network of collection points beyond Mogadishu and plans to train pastoralists in remote areas on modern milking and hygiene practices so that more milk can be safely processed and sold. 'If we can modernize how we raise camels and handle the milk, we can create jobs, improve nutrition, and build pride in our own local products,' Hashi said. Somali government encourages more investment The Somali government is encouraging more investment in the industry. 'The benefits of camel milk are countless,' said Dr. Kasim Abdi Moalim, Director of Animal Health at Somalia's Ministry of Livestock. 'In countries like the UAE, camel milk is also used for cosmetics. Somalia must catch up and develop the full value chain.' He said that government support is growing, with the establishment of a Dairy Act and a strategy for livestock sector development. 'A master investment plan is also in progress,' he added. Back at the paddock, a line of camels stretches into the golden afternoon light, their steady, patient footsteps a reminder that progress in Somalia often moves at the pace of tradition — slow but unstoppable. From ancient caravans that crossed deserts to supermarket shelves stocked with yogurt, the Somali camel's journey continues, one cup at a time. ___ For more on Africa and development: The Associated Press receives financial support for global health and development coverage in Africa from the Gates Foundation. The AP is solely responsible for all content. Find AP's standards for working with philanthropies, a list of supporters and funded coverage areas at
ABC News
30-07-2025
- ABC News
Scenic Rim's Summer Land farm aims to make camel meat, milk mainstream
Across remote Australia, hundreds of thousands of wild camels are considered feral pests, with many shot and left to rot. But in South East Queensland's Scenic Rim, they're being milked to make "camelccinos", lattes, gelato, and even vodka. It's all part of farmer Paul Martin's attempt to help Australians re-imagine the camel as a sustainable livestock animal. His ultimate plan is to build an entirely new industry from the ground up. But to do that, he said, he must first challenge Australia's "cultural issue with camels". "There are a few reasons why people are stand-offish around eating camel — but it's changing," Mr Martin said. Historically, Australian palates have preferred beef, lamb and pork over game meats, but that has not deterred Mr Martin. "Success in this operation is basically getting camel milk and meat mainstream," he said. Camels were introduced to Australia 180 years ago for use by explorers traversing unforgiving landscapes, and as a means of transporting goods over barren inland regions. But as cars and trucks took over, Mr Martin said camels were "labelled feral, turned loose and forgotten". Mr Martin's farm — Summer Land — has grown into a major tourist attraction at the Scenic Rim over the past decade. Visitors can feed camels, take selfies with them, and ride them. It's also an opportunity for them to learn about camel-based skincare products, feta and milk, as well as Summer Land's gelato and vodka. "Camel skincare is good for eczema, milk's good for dairy intolerance, I've just had a bad day, so I'll drink the vodka — there's something for everyone," Mr Martin said. But the fastest-growing opportunity may be camel meat. Estimates of Australia's wild camel population range from 300,000 to 1 million. "They're still being culled in large numbers," Summer Land tourism manager Emily Riggans said. Summer Land offers camel meat pies, rolls, burgers and curries — items it hopes will start popping up on mainstream menus. But that involves changing customers' views on camel meat. "If I did a [camel] sausage sizzle and didn't tell you, you probably wouldn't know," Ms Riggans said. Ms Riggans said Summer Land had found reliable markets among north African and Arab communities in south-east Queensland "who already know camel, they grew up with it". They also supply restaurants and halal butchers in Brisbane and Sydney. But getting camel accepted as a Sunday roast option is another challenge. Chef Heath Betts has spent years turning exotic meats — including crocodile, buffalo and camel — into farmers market favourites. He said the more people tried camel meat, the more popular it would become. His market stalls in Brisbane and on the Gold Coast sell about 200 kilograms of camel meat each month. To convert customers from beef to camel, Mr Betts said he explained the taste ("not as gamey as people think") and the best way to cook it ("just like beef"). "They'll try it, then try all the other products as well," he said. But turning camel into a standard protein alternative for customers isn't simple. Mr Betts said that could make camel meat more expensive to sell. But there are also environmental hurdles. Advocacy group the Invasive Species Council warns that commercialising a declared pest makes it harder to control their populations. "We've seen it with deer and goats — they're treated as resources, and the populations have increased," said Dr Carol Booth, policy director at the council. Australia ended its culling program in 2013, and with estimates of up to 1 million camels running wild, their environmental impact is significant. The council estimates that without sustained intervention, pest camel populations will double every eight to 10 years. The animals trample native vegetation, damage water sources, compete with livestock and degrade infrastructure. "It might sound like a win-win, make money and solve a problem, but in reality, it's not based on biology and it's not effective population control." While the Invasive Species Council remains sceptical about commercial camel farming as a strategy to control feral populations, it acknowledges sourcing some wild animals to build breeding herds could be feasible, with strict safeguards. "If it was just taking a certain number of camels to use as breeding stock, that would [make] absolutely no difference to the population," Dr Booth said "[But] it wouldn't do any harm either." Back on the farm, between sharing samples of camel milk vodka and guiding visitors on a farm tour, Ms Riggans remains optimistic, despite the challenges. "If you think too much about it, it's daunting, but day to day, it's exciting," she said. But from paddock to plate, almost every link needed to create a new livestock chain — supply, transport, processing — has to be built from scratch. "It's not about building a camel farm, it's about building an industry," Mr Martin said.
