Kosciuszko National Park, Australia – In a groundbreaking decision to safeguard the fragile ecosystem of Kosciuszko National Park, New South Wales Environment Minister, Penny Sharpe, has authorized the aerial culling of feral horses. This action follows extensive public consultation and overwhelming support from stakeholders, with 82% of 11,002 submissions backing this measure, along with existing control methods.
Minister Sharpe emphasized the urgency of the situation, stating, “There are simply too many wild horses in Kosciuszko National Park. Threatened native species are on the brink of extinction, and the entire ecosystem is under grave threat. We must take action.”
While acknowledging the concerns of those who find this decision distressing, Sharpe pointed out that effective management of horse populations has been delayed for far too long, resulting in significant damage to the park’s natural environment and Indigenous cultural heritage.
The decision comes in the wake of a Senate inquiry report, which highlighted the dire risk feral horses pose to native species, including the critically endangered stocky galaxias fish and the southern corroboree frog. The report indicated that feral horses could be the decisive factor leading to the extinction of six critically endangered animals and at least two critically endangered plants.
In August, the New South Wales government proposed updates to the Kosciuszko National Park wild horse heritage management plan, including provisions for aerial shooting, due to a stark increase in feral horse populations. Surveys conducted in November of the previous year estimated the number of feral horses had surged to 18,814, up from 14,380 in 2020.
This decision marks the culmination of years of heated debate on managing the invasive species. It is set to have a profound impact on the preservation of native wildlife and the health of mountain streams.
The announcement garnered support from various environmental groups. Tanya Plibersek, the federal environment and water minister, welcomed the decision, noting that feral horses are causing substantial damage to native plants and animals in the Australian Alps, including many endangered species.
Jack Gough, advocacy manager for the Invasive Species Council, stated, “When it comes to managing the out-of-control feral horse population, we need all available tools in the toolbox. That includes aerial shooting by highly trained professionals using protocols reviewed by independent animal welfare experts.”
The Nature Conservation Council of New South Wales expressed that the damage caused by feral horses to alpine environments is immeasurable and that public sentiment has shifted as awareness of the impact of these horses has grown.
While this decision has been applauded by many, the Australian Brumby Alliance expressed their dismay, urging Minister Sharpe to focus on passive trapping and rehoming of feral horses as the preferred method of population management, reserving lethal methods for high-density areas and fragile zones.
This momentous move underscores the critical importance of preserving the natural balance within one of Australia’s most iconic national parks. It signifies a commitment to protecting the region’s unique biodiversity for future generations.
