Emu War
The Emu War was an undertaking in 1932 by Australia's military to reduce the Emu population by declaring war on them. Emus were being destructive and generally problematic, and had been labeled a pest. Particularly, they were known for destroying crops in the Campion district of western Australia.[1][2]
Following World War I, veterans returned home to Australia in need of work. Many of them set to farming, but the Great Depression made it difficult to earn a livelihood. On top of this, Emus were destroying their crops. It was therefore decided to begin a campaign to reduce the Emu population (which had been protected until 1922). The ensuing "war" was lead by Major G.P.W. Meredith of the Seventh Heavy Battery of the Royal Australian Artillery.[2]
However, a concerted military effort to cull the flocks of Emus proved difficult and expensive to perform. Therefore, Major Meredith was recalled in November of the same year, and the "war" was officially won by the birds. The government then provided locals (including the farmers) with ammunition and encouragement to deal with the problem themselves. This was more successful, as the population dropped significantly over the next six months.[2]
