Sustainable Use - The Kangaroo Conservation and Management Program South Australia
Kangaroo Conservation and Management in South AustraliaKangaroos are an iconic part of South Australian landscapes. All kangaroo species are protected under the National Parks and Wildlife Act 1972. The larger-bodied kangaroo species in South Australia have been advantaged by European settlement and associated landscape changes including increased availability of water and reduced predation through construction of the dingo-barrier fence across the pastoral rangelands. These changes have allowed kangaroos to increase in number. The Department for Environment and Heritage is responsible for conservation and management of the three abundant kangaroo species in South Australia: the Red Kangaroo Macropus rufus, the Western Grey Kangaroo M. fuliginosus and the Euro M. robustus. These species are widespread and secure across South Australia. The conservation and management of these species is detailed within a Management Plan approved under State and Commonwealth legislation. This Management Plan satisfies the harvest provisions of the National Parks and Wildlife Act 1972 and the wildlife trade provisions of the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999. Information on the current Management Plan is detailed below. Kangaroo Conservation and Management Plan for South Australia 2008-2012The current Management Plan for Red kangaroos, Western Grey Kangaroos and Euros in South Australia includes management objectives and guidelines for the commercial harvest and non-commercial destruction of kangaroos and the management of kangaroos on National Parks and reserves. The management plan for kangaroos was developed by the Department for Environment and Heritage in consultation with the Kangaroo Management Reference Group. The draft management plan was open for public comment for a 3 month period during 2007. Each submission was assessed and the draft plan was revised where appropriate.
See Summary of submissions to the Draft Kangaroo Conservation and Management Plan for South Australia 2008-2012 (100Kb PDF) The Kangaroo Conservation and Management Plan for South Australia has been approved by the Commonwealth Minister for the Environment and is effective from 2008-2012. Copies of the Management Plan can be collected at no cost from Mapland, Level 1, 100 Pirie Street, Adelaide, from the Port Augusta Office at 9 Mackay Street, Port Augusta or by calling the Kangaroo Management Program on (61 8) 8222 9409. You can also download a copy of the management plan below. For more information on the management plan email the Kangaroo Management Program (Dana Thomsen) or phone (61 8) 8222 9409. See Kangaroo Conservation and Management Plan 2008-2012 (2.9Mb PDF)
2008 Quota ReportThe commercial harvest of kangaroos in South Australia is regulated by State and Commonwealth legislation. A quota report is prepared annually for submission to the Commonwealth Minister for the Environment and Heritage. See the 2008 Quota Report (850Kb PDF) MonitoringAnnual harvest quotas are set for commercial kangaroo harvest based on the results of an annual aerial survey of kangaroo populations. Aerial surveys of kangaroo populations in the South Australian pastoral zone have been running annually since 1978, covering a survey area of approximately 207,000 km2.
The aerial survey is conducted using standard methodology for the aerial survey of kangaroos. Two trained observers seated in the rear seats of the aircraft count kangaroos on the ground in 5 km unit lengths. Observers count kangaroos, emus and goats (and other large species of interest, such as camels or horses) within 200 m wide strips either side of the aircraft, which are demarcated by streamers attached to the wing struts of the aircraft. Observers’ tallies are later added and corrected for visibility bias using correction factors, to obtain regional density estimates for each kangaroo species. Historical Quotas and Harvest DataPermitsIt is necessary to hold a permit to harvest kangaroos. To apply for a Kangaroo Field Processor Permit the applicant must show that they have undergone training and accreditation in both processing kangaroo for human consumption and firearms accuracy. The firearms accuracy and Meat Hygiene Training courses are run by TAFE. These courses are designed to assist kangaroo field processors comply with industry standards and with the Code of Practice for the Humane Shooting of Kangaroos. For more information on the TAFE Field Processors course please contact Lindsay Lyall at Regency TAFE on 8348 2654. See Code of Practice for the Humane Shooting of Kangaroos See Application for a Commercial Harvesting Authority Kangaroo Management Reference GroupThe Kangaroo Management Reference Group (KMRG) provides advice to the Department for Environment and Heritage on the review and implementation of the Kangaroo Conservation and Management Plan. The Department seeks advice from the KMRG on quota setting, regulation and compliance, policy and the role of kangaroo harvest in the management of total grazing pressure. The KMRG includes representation from key industry, conservation and Aboriginal organisations, the RSPCA and relevant government departments. All members of the KMRG have knowledge of, or experience in, the management of commercially harvested kangaroo species. KMRG meetings are held twice per year, and more frequently if a special need arises. Minutes of past KMRG meetings are available by request. Contact the Kangaroo Management Program (Dana Thomsen ) on 8222 9409. See the Terms of Reference for the Kangaroo Management Reference Group (50Kb PDF) Kangaroo Management NewslettersTwice a year the South Australian Kangaroo Management Program produces a newsletter for landholders, harvesters and other interested people. The newsletter covers a variety of topics such as quotas, aerial surveys and harvest. Newsletters of the South Australian Kangaroo Management Program:
Useful LinksKangaroo Management Program websites in other States: Primary Industries and Resources South Australia, Meat Hygiene Unit |
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