Aerial shooting to resume as brumby numbers spike in national park
Aerial shooting of wild horses, known as brumbies, will resume in Kosciuszko National Park due to a significant increase in their population. The latest survey estimates between 6,476 and 16,411 horses in the park, prompting the NSW government to take action to reduce the numbers to 3,000 by mid-2027. Alongside aerial culling, a fertility control trial is being considered as part of the population management strategy.
- ▪The 2025 survey indicates a rise in the brumby population since 2024.
- ▪The NSW government is legally required to reduce the horse population to 3,000 by mid-2027.
- ▪Aerial culling will resume in June, alongside other methods like rehoming and trapping.
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Brumby fertility control trial considered as aerial shooting to resume in Kosciuszko National ParkBy Adriane Reardon and Eddie WilliamsABC South East NSWTopic:PestsFri 22 May 2026 at 11:59amFri 22 May 2026 at 11:59amFri 22 May 2026 at 11:59amThe 2025 survey estimates between 6,476 and 16,411 remain in Kosciuszko National Park. (ABC News: Rosie King)In short:The 2025 survey of wild horses in Kosciuszko National Park shows a population rise since 2024.It is estimated between 6,476 and 16,411 horses remain in the park.What's next?A population-control operation, including aerial shooting, will commence in June.abc.net.au/news/2025-wild-horse-count-kosciuszko-national-park/106701132Link copiedShareShare articleAerial culling is set to resume and a fertility control trial is being considered…
Excerpt limited to ~120 words for fair-use compliance. The full article is at ABC News (Australia).