HOW MUCH HIGHER ARE NSW BRUMBY NUMBERS?
In the Kosciuszko National Park, the estimated population has increased 30 per cent in two years
That's based on a survey published on Friday, showing 18,814 horses in November 2022, compared to 14,380 in late 2020.
IS THAT GOOD?
Not if you're the government. It wants to reduce populations for ecological reasons. In 2021, the government committed to getting down to 3000 horses by June 30, 2027 under the Kosciuszko Wild Horse Management Plan.
But the National Parks and Wildlife Service says with additional resources it is still on track to meet the reduction target set in the plan.
WHAT'S IN THE PLAN?
The plan identifies the heritage value of sustainable wild horse populations within parts of Kosciuszko National Park. It also sets out how to reduce the population, either by culling or rehoming.
Passive trapping and rehoming of wild horses is prioritised where possible, but experts say large scale culls are the most effective way of reducing numbers.
HOW'S THAT GOING?
In the first 10 months since the plan was introduced, 859 horses wild horses were removed from the park.
In the same period, the population grew by more than double that number.
Critics including animal advocacy groups and members of the NSW Nationals have opposed the culls as cruel and unnecessary.
Others, including the Australian Academy of Science and Invasive Species Council are firmly in favour of reducing numbers to protect the natural landscape which is significantly degraded by the horses.
