THE ACT Government advises that Callum Brae Nature Reserve, Goorooyarroo Nature Reserve (and adjacent unleased territory land), Jerrabomberra Grassland West Nature Reserve, Kama Nature Reserve, Mount Painter Nature Reserve, Mulanggari Nature Reserve, Mulligans Flat Nature Reserve, as well as The Pinnacle Nature Reserve (and adjacent unleased territory land) re-open to the public at midday today.
The sites had been closed since 16 June 2014 to allow for a conservation cull of kangaroos to take place.
“A total of 1519 kangaroos have been culled as part of the ACT Government’s ongoing program to protect these grassland and woodland sites from overgrazing,” said Director, Parks and Conservation, Daniel Iglesias.
“An additional 514 pouch young, the majority of which were very small and unfurred due to the timing of the cull, were also killed.
“Although the legal challenge to the cull significantly reduced our operating window and we experienced bad weather in the first few weeks which restricted operations, we were very close to reaching the quota of 1606 kangaroos.
“Ensuring the grasslands and woodlands are not overgrazed will help to protect our grasslands and woodlands, which provide habitat for creatures such as lizards and ground-feeding birds, and will avoid excessive soil loss whilst still maintaining sustainable numbers of kangaroos.
“The cull was undertaken humanely in accordance with a strict Code of Practice. The ACT Government chief veterinary officer audited 21% of shot animals to ensure the cull was undertaken appropriately. Auditing results demonstrated 100% compliance with the Code of Practice.
“We also used over 10% of the culled kangaroos to make baits to use in our wild dog and fox control programs.”
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