Shoot-to-Kill: Aerial Cull Ordered to Rid of Feral Horses in Australia State Park After Native Wildlife Risks Extinction

After endangering the extinction of native animals, a shoot-to-kill order or aerial cull has been issued to purge an Australia state park of feral horses.

Shoot-to-Kill: Aerial Cull of Feral Horses

Feral horses in Kosciuszko National Park face aerial culling following public consultation.

New South Wales Environment Minister Penny Sharpe deems it vital for safeguarding the park's endangered wildlife and ecosystems.

The decision to amend the management plan garnered support from 82% of 11,002 submissions.

With an overabundance of wild horses in the park, native species and the ecosystem are in peril.

Sharpe aims to equip national park staff with the necessary tools to preserve this alpine environment.

She acknowledged the discomfort this may cause some, sympathizing with their distress, but emphasizes the necessity of horse population management after years of neglect.

Protecting Kosciuszko National Park and Native Wildlife

New South Wales Environment Minister Penny Sharpe expressed her duty to protect national parks, highlighting the significant harm inflicted upon ecosystems and Indigenous cultural heritage by feral horses.

The final report of a Senate inquiry found that these horses posed an extinction risk to native species, including critically endangered animals like the stocky galaxias fish and the southern corroboree frog.

The Senate report recommended aerial shooting to control the burgeoning horse population, exacerbated by state laws protecting them from culling.

The NSW had proposed this update in August, responding to surveys showing the horse population had reached 18,814, far exceeding the 3,000 limit set for 2027.

The decision follows years of contentious debate over invasive species management.

Aerial shooting will begin with a preliminary program this year.

Federal Environment and Water Minister Tanya Plibersek welcomed the move, emphasizing the need to protect native flora and fauna in the Australian Alps.

Environmental groups applauded the decision as a victory for native wildlife and mountain streams.

The choice to permit aerial culling is a response to mounting evidence of harm and the extinction threat faced by local species, aligning with a commitment to preserve the natural environment.

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Ridding Australia's State Park of Feral Horses

Jack Gough, the Invasive Species Council's advocacy manager, believes park rangers can now tackle the daunting task of removing thousands of feral horses to prevent further damage to the mountains and rivers.

Gough emphasized the need for all available tools, including aerial shooting by skilled professionals following reviewed protocols.

Public awareness of the harm caused by feral horses in the high country has increased, aligning with a shift in public sentiment, as noted by the Nature Conservation Council of NSW and its CEO, Jacqui Mumford.

Other Bid for Rehoming Alternative

The Australian Brumby Alliance expressed dismay over the decision to restart aerial culling.

President Jill Pickering urged Minister Sharpe to prioritize passive trapping and rehoming, using lethal methods in high-density areas and fragile zones as per the NSW Wild Horse Act.

Collaborating with experienced horse communities could reduce conflict and enhance rehoming efforts.