New South Wales is considering changes to its environmental regulations to allow for the aerial culling of wild horses in Kosciuszko National Park as their population surges.
The New South Wales government is currently gathering feedback on the proposed changes to the park’s wild horse management plan, which would allow for the culling of horse populations from the air. This option would supplement existing methods such as trapping, relocating, and ground shooting, according to an announcement made by authorities on August 7. The need to reduce the wild horse population to protect over 30 native species that are critically endangered is urgent.
A herd of wild horses grazing in Kosciuszko. (Photo: PR Image).
The number of wild horses in the high country of the state is increasing significantly. It is estimated that there are 23,000 wild horses living in the national park, prompting the government to decide to reduce the population to 3,000 by mid-2027. The park management has stated that they prioritize trapping and relocating horses. Currently, hunting is permitted, but culling from the air is prohibited.
According to Environment Minister Penny Sharpe, if no action is taken, wild horses could push threatened species to the brink of extinction. “There are too many wild horses that need to be managed in the national park. We are forced to consider implementing aerial shooting by marksmen trained to the highest animal welfare standards,” Sharpe emphasized. A spokesperson for the New South Wales Greens supported the proposal, asserting that the government must take responsibility for managing invasive species in the national park.
“No one wants to kill animals, but the sad reality is that we have no choice between urgently reducing the wild horse population or accepting the destruction of the sensitive ecosystem and habitat in the high country,” said Jack Gough, a representative from the Invasive Species Council. Jacqui Mumford, the executive director of the New South Wales Nature Conservation Council, remarked that aerial and ground shooting are the most humane and effective population control methods. The feedback period for the proposed changes will end on September 11.
Debate over wild horse management has been ongoing for years. Opponents of wild horse culling lost a legal battle earlier this year in an effort to end this practice.
