KANGAROO MANAGEMENT AT BELCONNEN NAVAL SITE PRESS RELEASE_2

AUSTRALASIAN WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT SOCIETY

Address for correspondence: AWMS, c/o Desley Whisson, School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Science & Technology Campus, Deakin University, 221 Burwood Hwy, Burwood, VIC 3125, AUSTRALIA

It is pleasing to see the Department of Defence commence a tightly supervised cull of kangaroos at its Belconnen site despite the emotional pleas of animal activist groups. The department must be congratulated for finding a path through this difficult issue.

The cull will result in the persistence of a healthy kangaroo population at the site as well as the survival other plant dependent species now under serious threat due to the overgrazing by the kangaroos.

Prominent and experienced wildlife managers, researchers and animal welfare experts have designed the reduction program so that minimal stress and pain will be experienced by the over abundant kangaroos. However, ABC Television footage tonight suggests that aerial filming may have compromised the animal welfare aspects of the cull by unnecessarily frightening the kangaroos.

Coping with the human dimensions of wildlife management is not easy. The Defence department, like an increasing number of other land mangers, has demonstrated a commendable willingness to consult credible experts to work through this complex aspect of wildlife management.

Contact: Terry Korn, vice president, Australasian Wildlife Management Society 02 68 847298, tjkorn@bigpond.net.au