Feral camels live in three main types of non-territorial groups: year-round groups of bulls (males), summer groups of cows (females) and calves, and winter breeding groups that include a mature bull and several cows with calves. Old bulls tend to be solitary (DEH 2004). Herds average 11 individuals but larger herds of up to several hundred animals may form in summer or during droughts when groups congregate (DEH 2004; Huffman 2004). In the
breeding season, from May to October, single males defend a group of 20 or more cows against advances from other males. Large males engage in ritualised displays that may lead to serious fights. As well as grazing on grass, feral camels browse on vegetation as high as 3.5 m above the ground. They eat a wide range of plant material, including fresh grass and shrubs, preferring roughage to pasture that has introduced grasses or has been fertilised. Camels have a high requirement for salt and they eat salty plants, even devouring thorny, bitter or toxic species that other herbivores avoid. At times when forage is green and moist, feral camels gain all the water they need from their food and do not require drinking water (DEH 2004).