Management Plan for the Commercial Harvest of Kangaroos in Western Australia 2024-2028.

The Management Plan for the Commercial Harvest of Kangaroos in Western Australia 2024–2028 outlines a framework to ensure the sustainable and humane harvesting of red and western grey kangaroos. It is administered by the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions (DBCA) and aligns with both state and federal legislation, including the Biodiversity Conservation Act 2016 and the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999. The Plan’s primary goal is to balance ecological sustainability with economic and social interests. It does this by regulating commercial harvesting through licensing, monitoring kangaroo populations, setting quotas based on scientific data, and ensuring compliance with animal welfare standards. Harvesting is restricted to designated Kangaroo Management Areas and excludes conservation lands. Seven strategic aims guide the plan: ensuring humane harvesting, regulating through licensing, promoting compliance, monitoring populations, supporting adaptive management and research, conducting program reviews, and engaging stakeholders. These aims are supported by specific actions and performance indicators to measure effectiveness. Population monitoring is conducted via aerial surveys and harvest data analysis. Quotas are set using a proportional threshold harvesting strategy, which adjusts harvest levels based on population density and environmental conditions. If densities fall below certain thresholds, harvesting is reduced or suspended. The plan also addresses potential threats to kangaroo populations, such as drought, disease, and climate change.