Kangaroos in the rangelands: opportunities for landholder collaboration
A. Baumber A C , R. Cooney A , P. Ampt A and K. Gepp BA Future of Australia’s Threatened Ecosystems (FATE) Program, Institute of Environmental Studies, Vallentine Annexe UNSW, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia.
B Western Catchment Management Authority, 32 Sulphide St, Broken Hill, NSW 2880, Australia.
C Corresponding author. Email: alex.baumber@unsw.edu.au
The Rangeland Journal 31(1) 161-167 https://doi.org/10.1071/RJ08045
Submitted: 11 September 2008 Accepted: 20 January 2009 Published: 26 March 2009
Abstract
For 3 years, the Future of Australia’s Threatened Ecosystems (FATE) Program has been working towards achieving multiple benefits for rangelands by applying conservation through sustainable use (CSU) approaches to the kangaroo industry. A critical component of this work is landholder involvement in kangaroo management that results in commercial gain. We are developing strategies for landholders to add value to the harvest at the same time as achieving better control over the impact that kangaroos can have on their land.
This paper outlines FATE’s experiences with two related initiatives exploring landholder involvement in kangaroo harvest in the rangelands. First, a trial in the Barrier Ranges of north-western New South Wales demonstrates the potential benefits of collaboration for landholders in reducing their exposure to kangaroo harvest variability and the associated business risks. Second, an analysis of the various enterprise models which landholders could employ to enter the kangaroo industry identifies opportunities for landholders and kangaroo harvesters to collaborate for mutual benefit. Several challenges exist in bringing these potential benefits to fruition.
The paper includes: (1) analysis of harvest data across collaborating properties; (2) progress towards allocation of harvest tags on a group rather than an individual property basis; (3) results of discussions between key stakeholders; and (4) a description of models for landholder involvement and analysis of the extent to which they can achieve multiple benefits.
Additional keywords: cooperative, conservation through sustainable use, Macropus fuliginosus, Macropus giganteus, Macropus rufus, total grazing pressure.
Acknowledgements
Funding for this work was provided under the Australian Government Rural Industry Research and Development Corporation’s Rangelands and Wildlife Program.
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