iA Shane Rattenbury MLA tte Like Page FA vay 15007 Recently a number of comments and questions have been posted on my facebook page about the conservation cull of kangaroos in the ACT. understand that many people find the ACT kangaroo conservation cull distressing. | too, find it difficult. However, | also recognise the science that shows the negative impact kangaroos are having on biodiversity in Canberra nature parks from overgrazing. While | understand the significance of kangaroos to as an Australian icon , | am very concerned about the many other lesser-known animals at risk of extinction from the destruction of their sensitive habitats, such as the Grassiand Earless Dragon, Striped Legless Lizard, Perunga Grasshopper, and Coorooboorama Raspy Cricket Since European settlement. 99 5% of Australia’s temperate grassiand communities have been damaged or destroyed. In the ACT we are lucky to have retained 6% of this precious habitat in moderate to good condition, an itis critical that we protect tne species tnat rely on it for their survival The ACT Government has a legal and moral responsibility to protect threatened and endangered flora and fauna. Eastern Grey Kangaroos are nota threatened species We need to protect the balance to ensure the survival of all species, not just kangaroos. Unfortunately, because of habitat loss and fragmentation, and lack of predators, we do not have a balance and the conservation cull is needed to maintain kangaroo populations at appropriate levels to minimise the impact on endangered plant and animal species.IUls not a commercial cull and does not invove tne harvesting of kangaroo. meat for human consumption. importantly, the conservation cull is undertaken in conjunction with other land management activities at cull sites such as weed and rabbit control and ParkCare activities. Every year the Government conducts scientific population counts of kangaroos and assesses the conditon of the vegetation at each site to determine whether culling is required. A decision is taken on each reserve. separately. The number of kangaroos to be culled is based the population count compares to the sustainable carrying capacity. More information on this can be found at http://bily/1bZscNw The conservation cull is conducted in strict accordance with the National Code of Practice, endorsed by all relevant authorities inclucing the RSPCA ACT Greens MLAS have supported humane conservation culls since 2004 — to stop kangaroos from starving during times of drought and to protect endangered species. Since | have been Minister | have been pushing the Government to further explore nor-ethal alternatives. The ACT Government recently announced that we are partnering with the CSIRO to undertake field trials of a fertility control drug at several sites over the next two years. It is my hope that the outcome of the trial will be a move to replace culling with non-lethal measures. In the meantime, we do neec to maintain sustainable kangaroo populations. More info is available at nttp:/bit ly/1FScyhf. If you would like further specific information please email me at rattenbury@act govau. All comments are welcome on this post or on my timeline, however, abusive comments will be deleted and not responded to.