Reducing methane emissions through feral ruminant management

 

Photo: Territory NRM

The Carbon Farming Initiative allows credits to be generated by reducing methane emissions through the humane management of ruminant or “pseudo-ruminant” feral animals such as camels.

Reducing emissions from feral animals is a non-Kyoto compliant activity, because feral animals are not included in Australia’s Kyoto inventory. This means that non-Kyoto credits would be generated. These types of credits cannot be used by an entity to meet its obligations under the Clean Energy Act and can only be sold on domestic or international voluntary markets, or to the Australian Government under its $250 million non-Kyoto Carbon Fund (via competitive tender).

Non-Kyoto credits are likely to yield significantly lower prices per tonne of CO₂-equivalent compared to Kyoto ACCUs. Demand for carbon credits from feral animal control may be affected by the risk of association with inhumane practice allegations. However, this could be offset with an association with social or cultural co-benefits. 

Carbon credits could potentially also be generated as a result of the regeneration of native vegetation and soil carbon resulting from reduced feral animal impact. However, there is currently no methodology for human induced regeneration of native vegetation.

There may be “leakage” issues associated with the control of feral animals if a reduction leads to an increase in other ruminants such as cattle.

One methodology has been proposed for the “Management of large feral herbivores (camels) in Australian Rangelands.” The methodology seeks to measure methane reductions from the control of camels based on the average emissions avoided per camel controlled (i.e. reduced lifetime emissions). Proposed control includes shoot-to-lie (accredited marksman), on site processing and muster/abattoir processing. Calculations would take into account any fossil fuel combustion from vehicles, stationary sources or abattoirs.

Research has been proposed to investigate buffalo methane emissions and the regeneration of native vegetation and associated carbon sequestration once buffaloes are removed.

Acknowledgement: Tim Moore, Northwest Carbon