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Kangaroos reduce grazing options
11 Jul 2003
The WA Department of Agriculture is urging pastoralists to consider the impact of kangaroos when assessing rangeland grazing programs. Uncontrolled grazers such as emus, kangaroos and feral goats are responsible for 50-60 per cent of total grazing impact in the rangeland, and kangaroos are on the increase.
Meekatharra pastoral inspector John James estimates there are 8,000-10,000 kangaroos on properties within an area stretching 100km to the west of Meekatharra, north to Bulloo Downs, east to Prenti Downs and to the south of Mt Magnet.
In a hot year with below-average rainfall, domestic livestock and uncontrolled grazers compete for limited water and feed. In these conditions the kangaroo will graze palatable young perennial plants, which are the main source of forage in times of below-average rainfall.
Mr James said pastoralists don't normally consider kangaroos when assessing stocking density. Without control of all grazing animals, ongoing reduction in rangeland conditions will continue, he said. It's crucial to reduce the total grazing pressure to as low as possible, to assist a speedy recovery and revegetation of palatable species when effective rainfall arrives.
Farm Weekly, 10/7/03.
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