A new approach to kangaroo surveys

Posted 11 June 2020.

Pastoral area kangaroo population estimates and harvest quotas will be prepared differently this year, in accordance with the recently adopted South Australian Commercial Kangaroo Management Plan 2020-2024.

For the first time since the annual aerial survey was introduced in 1978, the Department for Environment and Water (DEW) will use a combination of current aerial survey data and predictive population models to determine harvest quotas for both red and western grey kangaroos. Population models are based on long-term survey data and climatic variables, such as rainfall and were developed in collaboration with the University of Adelaide.

The introduction of the population model was one of several changes made to the way the commercial harvest of kangaroos operates in South Australia, along with the expansion of the commercial harvest zone into the southern areas of the state. The changes came into effect on 1 January 2020.

Aerial surveys will be undertaken in the North East Pastoral, Eastern Districts and South Flinders harvest sub-regions, as well as the newly opened Yorke Mid North, Kangaroo Island, Upper and Lower South East sub-regions.

Aerial surveys started on Monday 15 June and are expected to continue until Friday 10 July. During this time, the DEW Cessna 206 will fly low level east-west survey transects across these harvest sub-regions.

For more information please call Kangaroo Management Program staff on 8648 5318.