Home / Environment / Kosciuszko Horses Surge: Culling Pause Sparks Rebound
Kosciuszko Horses Surge: Culling Pause Sparks Rebound
22 May
Summary
- Feral horse numbers in Kosciuszko National Park have significantly increased.
- The government aims to reduce horse populations to 3,000 by mid-2027.
- Conservationists call for scrapping retention zones and aiming for near-zero horses.
Feral horse numbers in New South Wales's Kosciuszko National Park have surged, with recent surveys indicating a substantial increase following a pause in aerial culling activities in 2025. Conservationists argue this population rebound necessitates an immediate reassessment of existing retention zones within the park.
Official estimates from late 2025 placed the feral horse population between 6,476 and 16,411, a sharp rise from the previous year's estimated range of 2,131 to 5,639. This increase occurred after aerial shooting of horses resumed.
The New South Wales environment minister stated that continued management is crucial to meet the legally mandated target of reducing feral horse numbers to 3,000 by mid-2027. While some recovery in vegetation is noted in areas with reduced horse numbers, the overall damage to the park's alpine environment remains evident. Options being considered include reproductive control trials.
Conservation advocates criticize the current management plan, particularly the requirement to retain at least 3,000 horses in designated zones covering 32% of the park. They advocate for the abolition of these zones and a reduction in horse numbers to as close to zero as possible, citing the damage to native vegetation, animals, and waterways.
