Released 22/07/2022
The ACT Government has successfully completed the 2022 Eastern Grey Kangaroo conservation cull with impacted nature reserves reopening today, Friday 22 July.
The following reserves which were closed overnight from Sunday to Thursday during the conservation culling period have been reopened to the public without restriction:
- Mt Ainslie Nature Reserve
- Mt Majura Nature Reserve
- Goorooyarroo Nature Reserve
- Mulligans Flat Woodland Sanctuary
- Red Hill Nature Reserve
- West Jerrabomberra Grasslands Reserve
- Isaacs Ridge Nature Reserve
- Mount Mugga Mugga Nature Reserve
- Callum Brae Nature Reserve
As part of this year’s program, 1645 eastern grey kangaroos were removed from nine priority reserves within Canberra Nature Park. The ACT Parks and Conservation Service thanks the public for cooperating with the nature reserve closures for the duration of the program.
“Nine reserves out of 37 were chosen for this year’s conservation cull as kangaroo densities at each site were found to be above the level deemed appropriate for biodiversity conservation, based on our annual ecological assessments,” Acting Conservator of Flora and Fauna Bren Burkevics said.
“Because of excellent growing conditions for ground layer vegetation this year, many sites that have needed kangaroo management in recent years were not needed this time around, however, to protect native and threatened species conservation culling was still required in some sites.
“Shooting is recognised by the RSPCA, as well as Commonwealth, State and Territory governments as the most humane method of culling currently available to us. The conservation 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 were met and exceeded.
“Extreme care was taken during the program to ensure all culled kangaroos were removed from each location, every night. We also do not operate every night at each individual location to minimise possible disruptions to the community.
“The ACT is recognised as a leader in kangaroo culling by being the only jurisdiction that operates only during a specific time period each year. By completing these operations between March and July only, we significantly reduce the risk of orphaning dependent young, increasing welfare outcomes for our kangaroo populations.
“Kangaroos play an important role in our biodiversity and as responsible land managers we must keep them at sustainable levels to protect our environment. In conjunction with other forms of kangaroo and grazing management, our priority is conserving wildlife habitat and maintaining resilience against the impacts of climate change.
“The ACT has some of the largest and highest quality remnants of critically endangered grasslands in Australia. If areas are overgrazed, we risk the grasslands no longer providing the necessary food and shelter for small animals and threatened species such as reptiles, insects, small mammals and ground feeding birds, as well as kangaroos.
“This is the first year that GonaCon (contraceptive) has been integrated into the mainstream program. This has included the treatment of adult female kangaroos with GonaCon at Mulligans Flat Woodland Sanctuary. The program will be expanded next year.
“Thank you for your cooperation and understanding during the closure period. I encourage all Canberrans to get out and actively enjoy the wonders that the reserves have to offer.”
Kangaroos are subject to natural predation and often involved in collisions with vehicles. If you see an injured kangaroo at any time of the year, please call Access Canberra on 13 22 81 and a ranger will attend as soon as possible.
For more information on kangaroo management in the ACT, please visit the Environment website.
- Statement ends -
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