SA’s kangaroo counters take to the skies today to begin an annual aerial count meant to provide a snapshot of populations across the state.
The survey covers an area of 211,000 square kilometres and will be conducted across a four-week period.
It is due to be completed about July 18, weather conditions permitting.
The Department of Environment, Water and Natural Resources survey has been carried out since 1978 and provides valuable information on trends in kangaroo populations.
Last year’s kangaroo population was estimated to be 2.65 million red kangaroos, 1.49 million western grey kangaroos and 564,000 euros.
The survey covers pastoral and agricultural areas, starting between Burra and Renmark before moving north around the north east of the state.
The survey crew will then move to areas north of Port Augusta, covering pastoral lands on either side of the Flinders Ranges, then to the Gawler Ranges and Eyre Peninsula.
Sustainability, Environment and Conservation Minister Ian Hunter said given the good seasonal conditions in the past few years, some pastoral properties were reporting very high numbers of kangaroos.
“Community members around Burra to Renmark should not be worried if they see a low flying aircraft doing east-west transects across properties,” he said.
“An aircraft flying low with streamers attached to its wing struts and following a seemingly unchanged flight path is an unusual sight, but it is the most efficient way to gather data on kangaroo populations.”
