THE state government has confirmed kangaroo field processor numbers have grown since the SA commercial kangaroo harvest zone was expanded at the start of 2020.
Figures show in the past six months an extra 16 kangaroo harvesters have begun working in the industry, with 11 in the new zones - an increase of 24 per cent.
Primary Industries and Regional Development Minister Tim Whetstone said the expansion of the harvest zone had helped mitigate the impact of drought starved kangaroo populations migrating further south in search of water and pastures.
"High kangaroo numbers put pressure on our agricultural industry, the environment, the quality of life of kangaroos, and also pose a danger to motorists," he said.
"The commercial harvest expansion across the state provides an opportunity to use kangaroo carcases for meat and leather products, rather than wastefully leaving them on the ground as fodder for pests and vermin under the pre-existing arrangements."
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Department of Environment and Water figures also show more than 8000 kangaroos have been commercially harvested from the new zones - with the exception of Kangaroo Island.
"It is fantastic to see that the industry has taken up the opportunity to support landholders, as well as grow jobs to sustainably and humanely manage the state's kangaroo population," Mr Whetstone said.
Kangaroo Management Reference Group field processor Chad Cowin said it was great to see an increase in kangaroo shooter numbers this year.
"With drought causing lower kangaroo numbers in the north of the state, the new harvest zones are providing greater flexibility and opportunity for the industry to adapt operations to other parts of the state to manage high kangaroo numbers," he said.
The South Australian kangaroo commercial harvest zone expanded on 1 January this year, from only the pastoral areas to cover Yorke Peninsula, Adelaide Hills, Fleurieu Peninsula, South East and Kangaroo Island.
In addition, the species of kangaroo available for commercial harvest now includes three new species, the tammar wallaby, Kangaroo Island sub-species of western grey kangaroo and eastern grey kangaroo, as well as the existing species of red kangaroo, western grey and euro.
Kangaroo commercial harvest zone expansion on Kangaroo Island is on hold due the summer bushfires.
An aerial survey is underway to determine an updated count and quota to ensure a sustainable population.
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