It’s been 4 years since we looked at the economic, social and environmental benefits that were being lost due to inaction on feral horse numbers in Kosciuszko National Park. Whilst an incredibly controversial project for all involved at the time, and still today, we estimated benefits of up to $50 million a year from improved feral horse management.
In 2020, the best estimate of the wild horse population in Kosciuszko National Park was 14,380, and without management, those numbers would have grown to 35,000 within 20 years. It would have had a significant and detrimental impact on the park, putting unique ecosystems such as alpine and sub-alpine herb fields, bogs and fens at severe risk from grazing and trampling. Horses also threaten native species that rely on these habitats and damage watercourses. In addition to the benefits to people from recreational use of the park.
Today, to see the ecological recovery, whilst maintaining an estimate of up to 5,639 horses in the park, is a great result for us to see. As NSW Environment Minister Penny Sharpe says in the article below “It just gives you hope that doing hard things is worth it because it actually pays off”.
Read our insight “Economics of reducing feral horse damage in Australia’s iconic Kosciuszko National Park” by Alexandra Humphrey Cifuentes, Rosemary Jones, Anna Wilson below.
Authors: Alexandra Humphrey Cifuentes, Anna Wilson and Rosemary Jones. Industries: Natural Resources & Agriculture. Expertise: Biodiversity & Environmental Economics.
