For the first time in over 2 decades, significant numbers of feral horses have been removed from the Blue Mountains, following a landmark aerial control program undertaken by the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS).
The Invasive Species Council has welcomed this important program which has removed 93 out of about 100 feral horses that threatened the sensitive habitats of the Blue Mountains World Heritage Area and the Warragamba catchment.
Invasive Species Council Acting CEO Jack Gough said: ‘Following the successful use of aerial shooting in Kosciuszko National Park, the Minns Government has finally put effective control of feral horses back on the table across the state after decades of inaction.
‘With a population growth rate of about 18 to 20% per year, there could have been 1,500 feral horses trashing and trampling the iconic Blue Mountains and Sydney’s drinking water catchment in 15 years without action.
‘This will be a proud legacy of Environment Minister Penny Sharpe. She has raised the standard for the routine, effective protection of our wildlife, national parks and drinking water catchments from feral animals.
‘It also reflects the incredible community campaign to save Kosciuszko National Park from feral horses. That campaign has created a precedent that has paved the way for aerial control to become a vital part of conservation efforts statewide.
‘No one likes to see animals killed, but the sad reality is that we have a choice to make between urgently reducing the numbers of feral horses or accepting the destruction of sensitive environments and extinction of native animals.
‘Australia’s plants and animals in these areas did not evolve with heavy, hard-hoofed feral horses which trash, trample and pollute sensitive habitat.
‘This program also follows a recent aerial cull in Barrington Tops National Park and the surrounding World Heritage Gondwana Rainforests, which has experienced relentless damage as a result of its feral horse populations.
‘Now we can finally effectively, safely and humanely reduce feral horse populations in our national parks and ultimately support the long-term revival of some of our most iconic precious places.
‘We have full confidence that national park staff are undertaking these important operations professionally, safely and humanely, as has been confirmed by numerous independent reviews, including by the RSPCA and vets.
‘Our native wildlife depends on our commitment to responsible, science-backed conservation efforts and so we welcome the NSW government finally taking steps to eradicate some of these invasive species which have no place in a national park.’
Media inquiries: (02) 8006 5004
Background:
- The NPWS program removed 93 feral horses, along with 463 pigs, 72 goats, 48 deer, and one fox from Blue Mountains National Park, Kanangra-Boyd National Park and several other reserves.
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