Over 1,900 kangaroos to be killed in Australia as it can cause 'devastating impact on environment'

MELBOURNE: Australia will cull over 1,900 kangaroos from Monday in a bid to reduce its population as it can cause a "devastating impact on the local environment", an official has said.

The announcement was made on its annual measure to control the kangaroo population. The culling of kangaroos will be done across Australian Capital Territory (ACT).

10 reserves across the territory will be closed each evening to allow the culling of up to 1,991 animals, ABC news reported.


Director of Parks and Conservation with the ACT government, Daniel Iglesias said it was necessary to curb the population of eastern grey kangaroos in the ACT.

"We know for a fact that over-abundant numbers of eastern grey kangaroos can have a devastating impact on the local environment," he said.

"We know that it can lead to de-vegetation and the complete degradation of certain areas if we let it go too long. This is not about eradication, this is about sustainable numbers of eastern grey kangaroos," Iglesias added.

A trial is currently underway to test the usefulness of fertility drugs as an alternative method of controlling kangaroo populations.

The cull is expected to conclude by August 1.

Almost 4000 kangaroos have been killed over the past two years as part of the ACT's annual cull.