Carnarvon National Park Feral Animal Management Program
- What is happening at Carnarvon National Park?
- Why does QPWS need to reduce feral animals?
- Who has been consulted?
- What are the alternatives?
- How humane is the control program?
- How is the control program being conducted?
- Is it just horses being targeted?
What is happening at Carnarvon National Park?
Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service (QPWS) has completed the first phase of a feral animal control program in remote areas of Carnarvon National Park, to reduce numbers of pest animals including horses that are damaging the park's natural and cultural values.
This is the first phase of a five-year project and a variety of methods will be used over the life of the program including mustering, trapping, shooting and baiting, depending on the species of animal.
Why does QPWS need to reduce feral animals?
While the program at Carnarvon National Park targeted a variety of feral animals, horses in particular are causing significant damage to the areas natural and cultural assets.
Their numbers have been expanding at a rate that can not be sustained by the fragile local environment. Unless checked, these numbers simply cannot be sustained with starvation and unpleasant death an unfortunate consequence.
QPWS has an obligation under law to protect national parks. It would be irresponsible to let the problem at Carnarvon continue.
Who has been consulted?
The program was developed in close consultation over the past year with key stakeholders including animal welfare organisations - Department of Primary Industries and the Royal Society for the Protection and Care of Animals (RSPCA); neighbouring landholders; conservation groups including Wildlife Queensland; and rural group AgForce
The RSPCA has told QPWS that while it regrets that this action is needed, it does not oppose the program while it meets humane animal welfare standards as planned.
What are the alternatives?
The feral animal control program at Carnarvon National Park includes a mix of options. Mustering and trapping are QPWS preferred first options, and are done where practicable and where it is unlikely to impact on the welfare of the horses.
In areas of the park with rugged terrain and limited access, shooting is considered to be the most appropriate control method.
How humane is the control program?
The QPWS has worked closely with DPI and the RSPCA to ensure that the program is been done humanely and meets best practice animal welfare standards. Both DPI and RSPCA are satisfied this has been achieved.
QPWS must comply with the provisions of the Animal Care and Protection Act, and strictly adheres to codes of practice and standard operating procedures for animal welfare.
All marksmen are accredited through the Department of Primary Industries/ QPWS Helicopter Marksman Training Course, and have experience in conducting aerial control programs.
How is the control program being conducted?
The aim is to achieve a sustained reduction in the overall population. QPWS won't be removing all the horses, just bringing the numbers down to a manageable level that is not damaging the park.
Is it just horses being targeted?
No. Horses are one species in the feral animal control program at Carnarvon - pigs , cats , foxes , and goats are some of the others.
Last updated: 13 November 2007