Kosciuszko National Park (KNP) is witnessing a significant reduction in its wild horse population, with numbers now estimated to be between 3,000 and 4,000, marking a substantial decrease from the 17,000 recorded a few years ago. This reduction aligns with the NSW government’s strategy to manage and protect the park’s fragile alpine environment by limiting wild horse numbers to a maximum of 3,000 by mid-2027.
PHOTO: Feral horses head for the trees, Long Plain, KNP CREDIT: Reclaim Kosci
Environment Minister Penny Sharpe told the parliamentary committee that preliminary figures were provided to her which showed “numbers are way down” and “we are around the 3000 to 4000 mark”. Ms Sharpe said the final figures will be released following peer review.
Invasive Species Council Interim CEO Jack Gough applauded the progress, stating, “It reflects the commitment of the Minns Government to back national parks staff who have been conducting aerial shooting operations professionally, safely, and effectively.” He emphasised the importance of maintaining the population below 3,000 to adhere to the legal requirement and prevent rebound growth.
The cull has primarily been achieved through aerial shooting, a measure introduced in late 2023, alongside other initiatives such as ground shooting, passive trapping, and rehoming. While aerial shooting has paused temporarily, it remains a tool that could be employed if necessary to continue reducing horse numbers.
PHOTO: Main Range walk alpine herbfields, Kosciuszko National Park CREDIT: E Sheargold (DPIE)
Despite the reduction in numbers, Mr Gough cautioned that the “Wild Horse Heritage law” hampers conservation efforts by requiring a portion of the park’s area to accommodate 3,000 feral horses, thus impacting native species. The threat posed by wild horses is recognised at the national level, with significant concerns raised about their effect on native habitats and species extinction.
With public and political support for reducing the horse population, efforts are set to persist. Mr Gough advised, “For the sake of our precious wildlife and sensitive alpine ecosystems, we urge Minister Sharpe to err on the side of caution.”
The programme highlights the ongoing acute challenge of balancing heritage values with ecological conservation in Australia’s national parks.