Numbers, Distribution and Harvesting Rate of Kangaroos on the Inland Plains of New South Wlaes

Abstract

The number of kangaroos on the plains of New South Wales (496000 km2) was estimated as 2 073 000 & 98 000 red kangaroos, Megaleia rufa, and 1 578 000 i- 84 000 grey kangaroos, Macropus giganteus and M. fuliginosus. The overall densities were 4.18 reds and 3.18 greys per square kilometre. Sheep outnumbered kangaroos by five to one. Red kangaroos were most numerous in the north-west of the state, greys in the north-central region. The legal harvest on the survey area in 1975 was 48 100 reds and 60 300 greys, representing 2.3% of the population of reds and 3.8% of the greys. Density is mapped for both red and grey kangaroos, and a design is offered for monitoring subsequent changes in density by aerial survey.

Large-Herbivore Distribution and Abundance: Intra- And Interspecific Niche Variation in the Tropics

“…As a comparison, in southern Australia, eastern grey kangaroos and common wallaroos have been recorded at densities above 30 individuals/km 2 (Southwell et al 1999). Likewise, red kangaroos (Macropus rufus) have been found at similar densities in the arid southern rangelands of Australia (Caughley et al 1977, Cairns et al 1991. This discrepancy in the typical density of large macropods in tropical vs. temperate and arid regions is of biological and conservation significance.…”

Assessment of distribution patterns for the grey kangaroo within southern Queensland : an application and appraisal of faecal pellet counts and aerial survey for the study of grey kangaroo density and distribution

“…Aerial survey provides the only method of proven reliability in kangaroo survey (e.g. Caughley et al, 1977). Their findings relate to inland areas where more open vegetation allows reasonable visibility from the air.…”

“…He makes the point that a five per cent coverage is greater than necessary for a state-wide survey, good for a 1:250 000 map sheet and inadequate for a sheep station. For the inland plains of New South Wales (Caughley et al, 1977) and the pastoral zone of South Australia (Caughley and Grigg, 1981), it has been demonstrated that sampling intensities of between one and two per cent provide adequate estimates of kangaroo density.…”

“…For example, with mule deer (Gilbert and Grieb, 1957), rhinoceros (Goddard, 1967), brown bear (Erickson and Siniff, 1963) and kangaroos (Caughley et al, 1977), surveys are best conducted in the early morning or late afternoon. These times correspond to major feeding sessions-when the animals are active and less likely to be sheltering in wooded habitats where visibility from the air is poor.…”

“…These may be a series of transects crossing the entire area, quadrats or blocks (Figure 54). Continuous belt transects are the most widely used for both total Bowman, 1955;Gilbert and Grieb, 1957;Darling, 1960;Lamprey, 1964;Watson and Turner, 1965;Lovaas et al, 1966; Buss and Savidge, 1966;Field, 1971; Eltringham, 1977; Edroma, 1981 Frith, 1964; Newsome, 1965;Norton-Griffiths, 1973, 1975bCaughley et al, 1977 Caughley et al, , 1979 Caughley and Grigg, 1981). This latter design approaches quadrat sampling (e.g.…”