Annual kangaroo survey to take off across eight SA regions
An annual survey of South Australia’s kangaroo population will begin mid-June and will cover eight regional areas.
The 2025 aerial survey will run from 16 June – 4 July with trained observers using a fixed-wing aircraft to estimate kangaroo populations in the Eastern Districts, Southern Flinders, North East Pastoral, Yorke Mid North, Mallee, Gawler Ranges, Kingoonya and Marla-Oodnadatta.
Department for Environment and Water (DEW) Senior Kangaroo Ecologist Dr Amanda McLean said last year’s survey estimated there were 5.2 million kangaroos in South Australia. “While the kangaroo population has increased over the last couple of years, we might see an impact to numbers due to the current dry conditions.
“It is important that we understand the numbers to manage the populations in a way that is sustainable for the species and to protect biodiversity, infrastructure and ensure human safety, in terms of road collisions.
“The results of the survey inform the sustainable commercial quotas of kangaroos as well as the opportunity to count non-native species such as goats, camels and deer. These results will assist in the management and control of pest species in the region,” said Dr McLean.
Surveys are conducted in the cooler months when kangaroos are more likely to be spread across the landscape with surveying taking place from first light to mid-morning and then again in the mid-afternoon to last light.
Residents in survey areas might see a low flying Cesna .
For more information about kangaroo management, visit: Department for Environment and Water - Commercial kangaroo harvesting
