Kangaroo count takes to the sky

Helicopter surveys will start in the Lower South East from May 18-22, covering about 1400sq km, including Glencoe, inland of Robe, Lucindale and Cadgee.

Additional aeroplane surveys from June 26 to July 17 will cover the Eastern Districts (Riverland and Murraylands), Southern Flinders, Northern Flinders, North East Pastoral, Yorke Mid North, Upper South East and Marree (inside and outside of the dog fence).

During both surveys, low-flying aircraft equipped with trained observers will count kangaroos in the first and last three hours of light each day, when kangaroos are most active.

Department for Environment and Water (DEW) Senior Kangaroo Ecologist Dr Amanda McLean said the surveys would provide up-to-date information on kangaroo numbers across the state and contribute to the sustainable management of the species.

“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,” Dr McLean said.

“These results will assist in the management and control of pest species in the region. Last year’s survey, and data-driven modelling, estimated there were 4.1 million kangaroos in South Australia.

“Drought conditions across much of the state last year may have affected kangaroo numbers, so these surveys will help us understand the latest situation.” 

DEW – through its South Australian Commercial Kangaroo Management Plan – regulates the sustainable commercial harvest of kangaroos in the state.

High kangaroo numbers put pressure on the environment, the quality of life of kangaroos, the agricultural industry and pose a risk to public safety due to potential road crashes. 

Surveys provide a greater understanding of population numbers and inform management efforts that enable commercial harvest to take place, while balancing the long-term conservation of kangaroos in South Australia.

Residents in survey areas might see a low flying (60m to 80m above the ground) helicopter or aeroplane.

For more information about kangaroo management, visit: Department for Environment and Water - Commercial kangaroo harvesting