More than 1500 eastern grey kangaroos were killed as part of the recent cull. Photo: Michelle Kroll.
More than 1500 eastern grey kangaroos were killed across five nature reserves as part of the government’s recent conservation cull.
The number was slightly less than the approximated 1568 kangaroos that were expected to be culled when the program was announced.
Overgrazing by too many kangaroos, particularly in priority conservation areas, can threaten the survival of endangered species.
Director of ACT Parks and Conservation Service (PCS) Daniel Iglesias said the cull was necessary to protect critically endangered grassland and woodland species.
“The ACT is proudly home to some of the largest and best-connected remnants of high-quality grasslands and grassy woodlands in Australia,” he said.
“As the land manager, PCS has a responsibility to manage kangaroo populations and reduce the potential for overgrazing.
“Canberrans can be confident that we completed this cull as part of a broad program of land management undertaken throughout each year to manage Canberra Nature Park for conservation purposes.”
The cull was undertaken across Mount Ainslie Nature Reserve, Mount Majura Nature Reserve, East Jerrabomberra Grasslands, Farrer Ridge Nature Reserve and Mulligans Flat Woodland Sanctuary.
Fox and rabbit culls are continuing at the Goorooyarroo Nature Reserve, which will be closed between 6:00 pm to 8:00 am the following morning between Sundays and Thursdays inclusive so PCS can carry out the program.
Mr Iglesias said the cull was undertaken in strict accordance with the National Code of Practice for the Humane Shooting of Kangaroos and Wallabies for Non-Commercial Purposes and that additional measures were implemented to ensure “best-practice animal welfare standards are met and exceeded”.
“Nobody likes shooting kangaroos; however, we accept it is the most humane method of kangaroo population management currently available to the ACT Government in its role as a responsible land manager,” he said.
Some of the carcasses were used for an endangered native species breeding program. The ACT Government said it tried to reduce waste from the carcasses and, where possible, support other conservation programs through the cull.
You can find more information on kangaroos in the ACT on the ACT Parks and Conservation website.
Original Article published by Dominic Giannini on The RiotACT.
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