Animal-based transportation for emergency logistics (equine, bovine, camels, homing pigeons)

The use of pack animals to move disaster supplies is an alternative that has not been properly investigated and documented. Trucks and aircraft are the primary means of lift in most situations and loads are configured accordingly. Sacks of grain usually weigh 100 kg and require mechanized equipment to load and unload. The system can be compromised when terrain, weather, or human/political factors become unfavorable.; Animal-based transportation provides a decentralized approach to supply shipment and is more flexible than trucks and much less extensive than aircraft. Pack animals can exploit situations that immobilize vehicles. Since they carry lighter payloads per animal they can be transhipped without mechanized equipment.; Large numbers of animals are needed when they are integrated into previously all motorized systems. This paper provides a theoretical and practical basis for the use of livestock. It includes up to date techniques as well as time tested methods. The primary focus is on the use of equines, bovines, and camels but the theoretical aspects include all species. A system of animal-based communications (homing pigeons) is explained.; Pack animals can provide the best and cheapest way to move emergency cargoes in a disaster. They have the ability to "get it there".