Kangaroo Harvesting

Abstract

Four species of large macropods are subject to harvesting on a sustainable basis in mainland Australia. Regulation is such that the harvest process is managed by state agencies with the approval of the Commonwealth government. Harvest quotas are set in the range of 15-20% of population size estimated from the results of regular aerial surveys. Kangaroos are harvested and carcasses are dressed in the field. Each carcass is required to carry a government-issued tag to ensure that it has been taken legally. The harvest offtake is male biased and represents about 60% of the quota. The impact of the harvest on the population is modulated by prevailing climatic conditions. The harvest is monitored indirectly to guard against overharvesting.