KANGAROO populations have fallen slightly from the 10-year high population last year but landholders are being reminded to take the right measures when undertaking control measures.
The Department for Environment and Water estimates there are about 4.4 million kangaroos in SA – down slightly on the estimated 5 million kangaroos recorded in 2017.
DEW regional programs acting manager Stuart Paul said while kangaroo numbers were down on last year, due to dry conditions, some landholders may be experiencing higher numbers than usual as populations move into southern pastoral and agricultural areas in search of food and water.
“We understand that high kangaroo populations can cause environmental damage and losses for primary producers,” Mr Paul said.
Mr Paul said options for landholders were to apply to regional DEW staff for a Permit to Destroy Wildlife, where kangaroos were causing damage to the environment, crops or other property.
Landholders could also call on commercial field processors – if within the commercial harvest zone, but Mr Paul said the fauna must be harvested in accordance to annual quotas.
“The number of non-commercial permits issued has roughly doubled in the commercial harvest zone over the past couple of years,” he said.
“This is likely due to the high numbers of kangaroos present after several favourable seasons.
“DEW staff are available to speak with landholders about kangaroo population control options in their location.
“All kangaroos must be destroyed according to the relevant Code of Practice for the humane shooting of kangaroos.”
Mr Paul said the department regularly checked on field processors and landholders to ensure animals are being taken in line with the relevant code of practice and would issue cautions or expiation notices where there is evidence permit conditions or legislation had been breached.