Released 14/07/2021
The ACT Government has successfully completed the 2021 Eastern Grey Kangaroo conservation cull, with five nature reserves now fully open from today (Wednesday 14 July).
As part of this year’s program, 1505 eastern grey kangaroos were removed from several priority reserves within Canberra Nature Park.
“The ACT is proudly home to some of the largest and best-connected remnants of high-quality grasslands and grassy woodlands in Australia. These ecosystems are home to critically endangered grassland and woodland species,” Director of ACT Parks and Conservation Service Daniel Iglesias said.
“While kangaroos are an important part of these ecosystems, research demonstrates that overgrazing caused by too many kangaroos, particularly in priority conservation areas, can threaten the survival of critically endangered species and ecosystems. 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.
“Nobody likes shooting kangaroos, however we accept it’s the most humane method of kangaroo population management currently available to the ACT Government in its role as a responsible land manager.
“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. The ACT also employs additional measures so that best-practice animal welfare standards are met and exceeded.
“This year, a proportion of kangaroo carcasses were provided to an endangered native species breeding program. The ACT Government will continue to pursue carcass utilisation opportunities to reduce waste and where possible support other conservation programs.”
“We thank the public for cooperating with closures for the duration of the program.”
The following reserves, which were closed at times to allow culling to be undertaken, are now fully re-opened to the public:
- Mount Ainslie Nature Reserve
- Mount Majura Nature Reserve
- East Jerrabomberra Grasslands
- Farrer Ridge Nature Reserve
- Mulligans Flat Woodland Sanctuary
Goorooyarroo Nature Reserve will remain closed of an evening during weekdays to allow continuation of the fox and rabbit management program.
You can find more information on kangaroos in the ACT on the Environment website.
- Statement ends -
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