The Great Emu War Explained: How Australia’s Birds Fought Back

In 1932, Australia became the unlikely battleground for what has since been dubbed the Great Emu War, a unique military operation aimed at controlling the emu population that was wreaking havoc on Western Australia’s wheat production 1. This unusual conflict saw members of the Royal Australian Artillery armed with machine guns in an attempt to manage roughly 20,000 emus that were damaging crops, highlighting the unexpected challenges faced by farmers in Sydney, Melbourne, and broader Australia 1. The operation, which spanned from November to December of the same year, underscored the Australian military’s struggle against a seemingly unbeatable avian adversary .

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While the Great Emu War may sound like a humorous episode in the annals of military history, its initiation was a serious endeavor by the Australian government to protect agricultural interests from the extensive damage caused by emus in the region 1. This event not only reflects on Australia’s environmental and agricultural challenges but also on the unique measures taken to address them. As we delve into this intriguing chapter of Australia’s history, we examine the strategies employed, the impact on the community, and the lasting legacy of an unusual conflict that even today resonates in discussions about wildlife management in agricultural settings .

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The Genesis of The Great Emu War

Background and Initial Causes

1. Change in Legal Status: In 1922, the Australian government reclassified emus from a protected native species to “vermin” due to their significant destruction of crops, particularly in agricultural regions.

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1. Economic Pressures and Migration: The onset of the Great Depression in 1929 exacerbated the challenges faced by farmers, who were encouraged to increase wheat production despite falling prices and lack of government subsidies 431271110. Around the same time, an unusually large migration of emus, estimated at 20,000, moved into the Campion district, causing extensive damage to the wheat crops 1431271110.
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3. Veterans and Settlement Schemes: Post-World War I, the Australian government allocated often marginal and agriculturally unproductive land to returning veterans under the soldier settlement scheme. This land was primarily in Western Australia, a region that became central to the conflict 143127111068.
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Government and Military Involvement

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1. Defense Measures: In response to the severe crop damage and at the behest of the farmers, many of whom were veterans, Defence Minister Sir George Pearce authorized the use of military force to manage the emu population. This decision was influenced by the need to show government support for the struggling veterans 19431271110.
2. Deployment of the Military: The government dispatched three members of the Royal Australian Artillery, equipped with machine guns, to the affected areas. The operation, which also included a cinematographer, began in November 1932 and lasted until December of the same year 1431271110.

Challenges and Immediate Effects

1. Ineffectiveness of Traditional Methods: Traditional pest control methods proved inadequate against the emus, which were described as particularly hardy, often withstanding multiple gunshots. This resilience prompted the escalated response from the government 34.
2. Impact on Local Agriculture: The emus not only consumed and spoiled crops but also caused structural damage to fences, which allowed other pests like rabbits to infiltrate and further harm the agricultural output 431271110.

This section outlines the complex interplay of ecological, economic, and social factors that led to the initiation of the Great Emu War, highlighting the government’s drastic steps to protect agricultural interests in Western Australia during a period of widespread economic distress.

Australia’s Feathered Foes: Understanding Emus

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Characteristics of Emus

1. Physical Attributes: Emus are among the largest birds native to Australia, capable of reaching up to 6 feet in height and weighing as much as 120 pounds 12. Their size is complemented by their speed, as they can sprint at velocities close to 50 km/hour 1.
2. Adaptability: Known for their resilience, emus can thrive in Australia’s harsh environments. They frequently migrate hundreds of kilometers in search of food and water, showcasing their adaptability 15.
3. Anatomy and Survival: Interestingly, emus have a brain size smaller than their eyeball, yet this does not hinder their survival skills in the wild 13. Their tough hides and endurance allow them to withstand multiple bullets and continue running at full pace, which contributed to their survival during the Great Emu War 113.

Subspecies and Distribution

• Emus are divided into three subspecies, each adapted to different geographical regions across Australia. This diversity in habitats supports their wide-ranging migrations within the country 1.

Protection and Conservation

• Since 1999, Australian wild emus have been protected under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act, reflecting their importance to the Australian ecosystem and heritage 1.

The Battle Commences

Initial Engagements

1. Commencement of Operations: The military operation began earnestly in November 1932, following initial delays due to unexpected rainfall. The soldiers, equipped with Lewis guns, were deployed with the task of reducing the emu population that was devastating crop fields 14.
2. First Encounter: On November 2, 1932, the first confrontation occurred at Campion, where soldiers attempted to cull the emus using machine guns. Despite their efforts, the emus proved remarkably resilient, with only a few being killed in the initial skirmish 14.

Major Battles

1. Battle of the Dam: A significant engagement known as the Battle of the Dam took place on November 4, 1932. Here, the soldiers faced large groups of emus but struggled to achieve any substantial reduction in their numbers 14.
2. Challenges in Targeting: The soldiers’ tactics included forming ambushes and attempting to herd the emus into designated kill zones. However, the emus’ unpredictable scattering behavior and their tough hides rendered many of the military strategies ineffective 14.

Technological and Tactical Difficulties

1. Inadequacies of Equipment: The operation involved mounting machine guns on trucks, a strategy that proved inefficient as the rough terrain hampered the gunners’ ability to aim and shoot accurately. The fast-moving emus easily outran the military vehicles, complicating the culling process 14.
2. Ammunition Challenges: Each emu proved so tough that it reportedly took ten rounds to bring one down. This high expenditure of ammunition led to logistical challenges and questioned the sustainability of the operation 13.

Withdrawal and Resumption

1. Temporary Withdrawal: By November 8, 1932, Major Meredith had to withdraw his forces temporarily due to the low success rate and rising operational challenges. The initial phase ended with minimal impact on the emu population 14.
2. Re-engagement: The operation was resumed on November 12, 1932, under continued pressure to address the agricultural damage. Despite renewed efforts, the soldiers still faced great difficulties due to the emus’ defensive tactics and physical resilience 14.

Conclusion of the Campaign

• End of Operations: The campaign officially concluded on December 10, 1932, with the military withdrawing after recognizing the limited effects of their efforts on the emu population. The operation highlighted the challenges of dealing with large-scale wildlife disturbances using military force 14.

Tactics and Technologies

Military Strategy and Armament

1. Deployment and Armament: Major Gwynydd Purves Wynne-Aubrey Meredith led the Australian Army with two soldiers armed with Lewis light machine guns and 10,000 rounds of ammunition 9. Despite their high rate of fire, these guns were not belt-fed but utilized a top-mounted pan magazine, which limited their effectiveness in rapid, continuous combat scenarios 14.
2. Emu Resilience: The emus displayed surprising resilience to machine gun fire, akin to tanks facing traditional weaponry. This resilience, combined with their guerrilla tactics, made them formidable opponents 9. The operation resulted in 986 emus confirmed killed, utilizing a significant 9,860 rounds of ammunition, demonstrating the difficulty in targeting these agile creatures 4.

Emu Tactics and Comparison

1. Guerrilla Warfare: The emus employed guerrilla tactics, similar to those used by Zulu warriors during the Anglo-Zulu War of 1879. They massed in areas where the military presence was weak and dispersed quickly where it was strong, effectively outmaneuvering the Australian forces 13.
2. Impact of Mobility: The high mobility and instinctive tactical movements of the emus rendered the Australian military’s machine guns less effective than anticipated. This challenge was compounded by the emus breaking into small, fast-moving units, which is a tactic noted for its effectiveness even against unlikely adversaries 414.

Analysis of Outcomes

1. Military Assessment: The Australian military initially likened the threat posed by emus to that of locusts, necessitating protection of agricultural lands from economic devastation. However, the actual combat scenarios highlighted the inadequacies of traditional military tactics against such an unconventional enemy 13.
2. Victory for Emus: Ultimately, the emus emerged victorious, utilizing their natural instincts for survival and adaptation to the military’s tactics. This outcome emphasized the limitations of conventional warfare techniques when applied to wildlife control 8.

Impact and Aftermath

Economic and Social Consequences

1. Public Perception and Media Criticism: The Great Emu War was widely publicized as a failure, leading to widespread humor and disbelief, especially in parliamentary discussions where jokes about awarding medals to emus were made 12.
2. Continued Challenges for Farmers: Despite the military’s efforts, the emu population continued to thrive and cause significant agricultural damage, leading to repeated requests for military assistance in subsequent years, all of which were denied by the government 4.
3. Adoption of Alternative Measures: The ineffectiveness of the military strategy led to the reintroduction of the bounty system, which proved more effective. In 1934 alone, 57,034 bounties were claimed, helping to control the emu population more efficiently than military intervention 49.

Environmental and Conservation Impacts

1. Conservation Backlash: The culling was met with international criticism, particularly from British conservationists who condemned the actions as the extermination of the rare emu 415.
2. Legislative Changes: The backlash and ongoing issues with emu populations eventually led to emus being declared a protected species in 1999, reflecting a shift towards more conservation-focused policies 3.

Long-Term Defense Strategies

1. Development of Barrier Fencing: To prevent future incursions, exclusion barrier fencing became a popular and effective method for keeping emus out of agricultural areas, complementing other measures like the bounty system 4.
2. Large-Scale Infrastructure: The Western Australian State Cabinet approved significant funding for the construction of an emu-proof fence, approximately 135 miles long, designed to integrate with existing rabbit-proof fences and provide a robust defense against wildlife intrusion into agricultural lands 16.

Economic and Resource Allocation

1. Resource Expenditure: The operation saw the military expend a substantial amount of resources, including 10,000 rounds of ammunition, highlighting the high costs associated with the campaign. Despite these efforts, the campaign had minimal impact on the overall emu population 4.
2. Government Response and Policy Shift: Following the war, the government shifted its approach from military intervention to supporting local farmers with ammunition and bounties for emu hunting, indicating a move towards more sustainable and cost-effective wildlife management strategies 1.

Reflections and Legacy

Cultural Impact and Artistic Interpretations

1. Pop Culture Resonance: The Great Emu War has transcended its historical context to become a part of popular culture in Australia, often viewed with a mix of pride and embarrassment 3. This unique event has inspired various forms of artistic expression, including musicals and films, reflecting its lasting impact on Australian identity 4.
2. Artistic Adaptations:

• A musical adaptation of the Great Emu War story was workshopped in Melbourne in 2019, showcasing the event’s adaptability to different entertainment mediums 4.
• Additionally, the war has been depicted in two action-comedy films, with the latest titled The Emu War, which premiered at Monster Fest in 2023 4.
• Another film focusing on these events is currently under production, highlighting ongoing interest in this unusual historical episode 3.

1. International Perception:

• The war was critically viewed by the international community, particularly by British conservationists who condemned it as an extermination of the rare emu, reflecting broader concerns about wildlife management and conservation practices 9.

Legacy in Environmental and Wildlife Management

• Conservation Lessons: The aftermath of the Great Emu War led to significant changes in how wildlife is managed in Australia. The emus, having proven their resilience, remained plentiful outside of Perth, and their story continues to influence current wildlife management strategies 8. This historical event underscores the complexities of human-animal conflicts and has shaped subsequent policies aimed at balancing agricultural development with wildlife conservation.

Conclusion

Reflecting on the Great Emu War, we are reminded of the unpredictable nature of human-animal conflicts and the complexities involved in managing such events. The attempt by the Australian military to control the emu population in Western Australia not only highlights the challenges faced in agricultural management but also serves as a poignant example of the limitations of conventional methods when applied to environmental issues. The persistence of emus, despite the concerted efforts to curb their numbers, underlines the resilience of nature and the necessity for more innovative and sustainable approaches to wildlife management.

Moreover, the legacy of the Great Emu War extends beyond its immediate environmental and agricultural impacts, influencing policies and practices in wildlife management in Australia. It underscores the importance of adopting strategies that respect the balance between human activity and the natural world. As we move forward, the story of Australia’s feathered foes serves as a historical testament to the need for harmony and thoughtful consideration in our interaction with the planet’s wildlife, reminding us of the broader implications of our actions on the ecosystem.

FAQs

Q: How were the emus able to defeat the Australian forces? A: The emus were considered victorious after six days of conflict, with only a few hundred of them killed. The military operation was paused and later completely ceased. When additional military assistance was requested, it was denied, leading the government to implement a bounty system, which also failed to significantly reduce the emu population.

Q: What were the reasons behind Australia’s unsuccessful conflict with the emus? A: The Australian army’s strategies failed during the Emu War because the emus dispersed into small, agile groups that were difficult to target. Furthermore, the emus displayed an extraordinary resilience to gunfire, often surviving multiple shots without apparent effect.

Q: What strategy did the Australian soldiers adopt after their initial attempts in the Emu War? A: After the initial attempts failed, the soldiers observed that the emus had adopted guerrilla warfare tactics, dividing into numerous small groups that rendered the military’s equipment and efforts inefficient. Consequently, the demoralized troops withdrew from the battle zone after roughly a month.

Q: Did the guerrilla tactics employed by the emus in the Emu War prove to be effective? A: The guerrilla tactics were highly effective from the emus’ perspective. Major Meredith reported that 986 emus were killed using 9,860 rounds of ammunition, which translates to an inefficient 10 rounds per confirmed kill. He also suggested that an additional 2,500 emus likely perished from their injuries. The tactics’ ineffectiveness played a significant role in the Australian Army’s failure to win the Emu War.

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References

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