The Population Ecology of Wild Horses in the Australian Alps

• Population estimates in the survey area using the line transect method equated
to 1.86 horses per km 2 and a population estimate of 5200.
• There is some evidence to suggest that the wild horse population in Kosciuszko
increased 3-fold in Kosciuszko National park over 10 years.
• Management practices can potentially limit populations by targeting reducing
fecundity (birth rate) using fertility control or reducing survival rates (by removal
or culling) of adults and/or juveniles. Managers that target adults will yield the
most significant results, followed by fertility control then targeting 0-3 year olds.
• Across the three populations studied (Currango, Big Boggy and Cowombat)
trends in population rate of increase, body condition and food availability suggest
that the population at Cowombat is food limited and relatively stable while the
population at Currango is not limited by food and increasing. The Big Boggy is in
between the two.
• Brumby-runners in the Alpine National park, Victoria caught approximately 200
horses annually between 1998 and 2002. The majority of horses caught were
young and more females than males were caught. The discrepancy between the
sexes is because so few adult males (stallions) were caught.
• Modelling shows that brumby-running can suppress wild horse populations
below carrying capacity and can be used as a management tool.
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