Distribution and Abundance of Feral Livestock in the 'Top End' of the Northern Territory (1985-86), and Their Relation to Population Control.

Abstract

Feral and domestic livestock (buffalo, cattle, horses and donkeys) were censused by fixed-wing aerial survey over the 'Top End' of the Northern Territory (above the 16th parallel) in March-April 1985, encompassing 233 672 km2 (16.7% of the Territory). The mean sampling rate on the major coastal lowland (38 281 km2) was 7.3%, and that for the rest was 3.7%. The accuracy of population estimates was improved by applying habitat-specific visibility correction factors to animals counted in groups.