Feral Horse Management Plan
OXLEY WILD RIVERS NATIONAL PARK, NORTHERN TABLELANDS REGION
MAY 2006 Feral Horse Management Plan
OXLEY WILD RIVERS NATIONAL PARK, NORTHERN TABLELANDS REGION
For further information contact: Regional Manager National Parks and Wildlife Service PO Box 402 Armidale NSW 2350 Telephone: 02 6776 0000 Fax: 02 6771 1894
Additional copies of this plan may be obtained from: NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service 85 Faulkner St PO Box 402 Armidale NSW 2350
© NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service, 2006. This work is copyright. However, material presented in this report may be copied for personal use or published for educational purposes, providing that any extracts are fully acknowledged. Apart from this and any other use as permitted under the Copyright Act 1968, no part may be reproduced without prior permission from NPWS.
Acknowledgments This plan was prepared by: Ken Pines Pest Management Offi cer National Parks and Wildlife Service Northern Tablelands Region Armidale NSW 2350
This plan should be cited as follows: NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service 2006, Feral Horse Management Plan for Oxley Wild Rivers National Park, NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service, Hurstville.
ISBN 1 74137 800 1 Department of Environment and Conservation (NSW) DEC 2006/28 Oxley Wild Rivers National Park eral Horse F Management Plan
Contents
Executive Summary ...... 2 1 Introduction ...... 3 2 Background ...... 5 3 Signifi cance of OWRNP ...... 8 4 Impact of Feral Horses in OWRNP ...... 10 5 Objectives ...... 12 6 Legislative Framework ...... 12 7 The Public Consultation Process ...... 13 8 Horse Management Methods ...... 14 9 Results of GFRNP Trial Horse Capture and Removal Program ...... 16 10 Selection of Horse Management Methods for use in OWRNP ...... 17 11 Disposal of captured horses from OWRNP ...... 19 12 Welfare of captured feral horses ...... 20 13 Monitoring and Evaluation ...... 21 14 Bibliography and References ...... 23
Figures
Figure 1. Map of Oxley Wild Rivers National Park ...... 4 Figure 2. Current known feral horse distribution in Oxley Wild Rivers National Park ...... 7 Figure 3. Pads and erosion caused through regular movements of feral horses in Guy Fawkes River National Park (Freeman, 2005) ...... 10 Figure 4. Feral horses in a trap yard in Guy Fawkes River National Park (Pines, 2005) ...... 16
Feral Horse Management Plan - May 2006 1 Oxley Wild Rivers National Park eral Horse F Management Plan
Executive Summary
Oxley Wild Rivers National Park The NPWS recognises that there is a (OWRNP), covering in excess of wide range of views within the community 142,000 hectares, protects an area of regarding the management of feral international and national signifi cance horses within conservation areas. The for its biological and landscape values plan includes details of the consultation and of regional signifi cance for cultural process that was undertaken to ensure heritage and recreation. The majority that the public had an opportunity to of the park is inscribed on the World provide input into the management of the Heritage List. feral horses in OWRNP. Consultation with neighbours and special interest Two areas within OWRNP, totalling groups will continue, as will the input over 81,000 ha, have been declared from the OWRNP Feral Horse Reference wilderness under the Wilderness Act Committee. 1987. Wilderness areas are large natural areas of land that, together with their This plan examines the range of horse native plant and animal communities, are management methods available and essentially unchanged by human activity. recommends a combination of control These areas contribute to the long-term methods that meet the key objectives for protection of biological diversity and the removal of feral horses from the Park. serve as scientifi c reference areas. The preferred capture method initially is trapping in paddocks and/or yards, using Feral horses occur in the gorges of feed-based lures and, where applicable, OWRNP and on some adjoining private “coacher horses”. Euthanasia using properties, primarily along the river ground shooting, may be acceptable for fl ats but also on adjacent gullies and some horses that cannot be captured or ridges. The horses have been identifi ed are not able to be safely removed from as posing a threat to the conservation the park using other methods. values of the park, water quality and public safety as well as impacting on The feral horses will be handled using the agricultural enterprises of adjoining low stress stock handling techniques and landholders. will be transported from the park by 4WD truck. A range of options is provided for The key objectives of the plan are to: the humane disposal of captured horses. • Conserve and protect the natural Detailed protocols are included to ensure values of Oxley Wild Rivers National that the highest standards of animal Park by removing all feral horses welfare are maintained throughout the and ensuring that the park thereafter operation. This plan also sets out a remains free from further feral horse method for evaluation and monitoring of impacts; and the program. • Provide for the humane capture, handling and removal of feral horses from the park and identify options for the appropriate disposal of the feral horses once removed from the park.
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1 Introduction
Oxley Wild Rivers National Park terraces. Dry rainforest is widely dispersed (OWRNP) is located on the eastern on slopes and gullies, while shrub lands occur edge of the Northern Tablelands of NSW along cliff edges where soil is too shallow and and is part of a broad contiguous belt of unstable for trees. relatively undisturbed, forested land along the Great Escarpment. The park was Areas of higher rainfall at the north-eastern established through the amalgamation and south-eastern extremities of the park of several existing reserves in 1986 and, support tall open forests and small areas of with recent additions, has a gazetted area subtropical and warm temperate rainforest. in excess of 140,000 hectares. A further Some 31 plant species found in the area are 3,351 ha has been purchased by the classifi ed as rare or threatened with seven NPWS but is yet to be gazetted. of these species also listed as endangered Oxley Wild Rivers State Conservation and eight as vulnerable under the Threatened Area (SCA) occupying an area of Species Conservation Act 1995 (TSC Act). 1,496 hectares adjoins OWRNP on the Twenty-six fauna species, also listed as Chandler River upstream of the junction vulnerable or endangered under the TSC Act with the Macleay River. Gazetted in have been recorded in the park. January 2003, it is part of the Macleay Feral horses (Equus caballus) occur in the Gorges identifi ed wilderness area. For gorges of OWRNP, primarily along the river the purposes of this plan this SCA will be fl ats but also on adjoining gullies and ridges. treated as part of OWRNP. The plan of management for the park The park lies within the catchment of identifi es feral horses as posing a threat to the Macleay River and consists largely biodiversity, water quality and public safety. of gorges and deep river valleys on It recommends that effective strategies be the upper reaches of the river and its developed to remove horses from the park. tributaries, with relatively small areas This Feral Horse Management Plan includes: of peripheral and residual tableland. Spectacular gorges and waterfalls are • A description of the signifi cance of prominent features of the park. Large OWRNP; parts have been declared wilderness • A historical overview of the issue of feral and the majority of the park has been horses in OWRNP; inscribed on the World Heritage List as • Objectives; part of the Central Eastern Rainforest Reserves of Australia (CERRA). See • An outline of the public consultation fi gure 1. process that was followed to ensure adequate input from all sections of the OWRNP supports a diverse assemblage community; of plant communities; their distribution • A review of feral horse control methods; strongly infl uenced by the marked • A description of the techniques that will be climatic gradients, the varied terrain and used to remove the horses from the park; to a lesser extent differences in geology. The relatively dry environment of much • An overview of the protocols that will of the park has given rise to extensive be put in place to ensure the welfare of development of woodland on steep slopes captured feral horses; with north to westerly aspects and to • An outline of the criteria to be used to grassy open forest on sheltered aspects, evaluate and monitor the program. extending onto the plateau and along river Feral Horse Management Plan - May 2006 3 Oxley Wild Rivers National Park eral Horse F Management Plan
1 Introduction (continued)
Yina NR
Imbota NR
Styx River SF
New England NP
Lower Creek SF
Georges Creek NR
Dyke SF
Enmore SF
Cunnawarra NP
Oxley Wild Rivers SCA
Carrai SCA
Cochrane SF
Carrai NP
Oxley Wild Rivers NP
The Castles NR
Carrai SF
Legend
Bicentennial National Trail
Declared Wilderness
World Heritage Area
Crown LandWerrikimbe for Gazettal NP Dec 05
Doyles River SF NP Estate Vested in Minister Mount Boss SF NP Estate Purchased not Gazetted
Oxley Wild Rivers NP & SCA
Mummel Gulf NP Other NP Estate
SF Estate 02461 Kilometres
Cottan-Bimbang NP
Brassey SF Enfield SF Figure 1. Map of Oxley Wild Rivers National Park
Feral Horse Management Plan - May 2006 4 Oxley Wild Rivers National Park eral Horse F Management Plan
2 Background
Historical overview of approved a trial mustering program to be undertaken by a group of local horses in the New England horseman. A portable yard, with very The fi rst white settlers in the early to long wings, was set up on a well-used mid 1800s brought horses to the New horse pad. The horses were mustered England area. By the 1900s, through by members of the group either on the release, abandonment or escape of horseback or on foot, with a helicopter domestic horses, feral horse herds had used on several occasions. All horses become established throughout many of captured were removed from the park by the more remote and rugged areas of the a 4WD truck and were retained by the New England. musterers as the only remuneration for their efforts. Control techniques used by the early pastoralists in the area included sporadic The number of horses captured during mustering and trapping, usually targeting the mustering programs was quite younger horses that had potential to variable with some early efforts failing be “broken” in to the saddle. “Brumby to capture a single horse. As the level shoots” were organised when the horse of expertise and knowledge of horse population was felt to be excessive or the movements increased so did the capture pasture was needed for other livestock. rate with 20 horses caught in a few Various local groups also shot Brumbies days towards the end of the program. just for the “sport” (Wright 1971). Seasonal conditions proved to be a major factor affecting the success rate While the local heritage value has been of the program. Horses tended to established for feral horses in some parts congregate more along the river during of the New England, no evidence was dry conditions. In good seasons the presented during the public consutation horses were more widely dispersed process to indicate that the horses in and high river levels frequently limited OWRNP have any signifi cant heritage access. Approximately 35 horses had value. been removed when the mustering trial Droughts are an important factor in was terminated due to access issues. limiting growth of the horse population throughout the New England. Mortality Ecology of the Feral Horse rates amongst older horses increase Horses are generally seasonal breeders substantially and the survival rate of foals with oestrus determined by day length. declines markedly during drought. They have a gestation period of 336 days with a single foal born. The Overview of feral horse horse population can increase by up to management in OWRNP 20% per year under suitable seasonal conditions (Dobbie and Berman 1992). Mustering has been the only control method used by NPWS to control the feral horse population in OWRNP. In 1998 Armidale District of the NPWS
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2 Background (continued)
Although mares are capable of foaling The utilisation of individual territories every year, pregnancy stress usually varies throughout the year, with horses results in their raising one foal every frequenting the higher elevations when two years, the intervening year allowing temperatures are higher and there is them to recover suffi cient body condition suffi cient surface water in side creeks to support another pregnancy (Wagoner and gullies. The horses congregate 1977). along the rivers during the cooler periods or when pasture and water is limited. Primarily a grazing animal, horses prefer See Figure 2. green grasses but will also eat dried grasses, perennial herbaceous species Boundary fences are diffi cult to as well as roots, bark, buds and fruit. maintain in stock proof condition within the riparian zone due to the frequent Horses can live more than 30 years. fl ooding. The rivers in some areas form However in the wild few horses reach the only boundary between the park 20 years. The key mortality factors for and neighbouring properties and with feral horses are starvation (either due fl uctuating depth are easily forded by to drought or dentition), parasites and both livestock and feral horses. As a poisonous plants. result, some horse mobs move freely The home range of feral horses varies between the park and neighbouring with the type of country and season. private or leasehold lands. In central Australian range country, The exact number of horses living in Dobbie and Berman (1990) reported OWRNP is not known. Approximately home ranges of approximately 70 207 were counted in March 2006 during 2 km . In higher rainfall areas the home a limited helicopter survey. A number of range is much smaller. Radio tracking mobs of horses known to be present in undertaken by NPWS staff in Guy the general area were not sighted during Fawkes River National Park (GFRNP) the survey, indicating that the population found the home ranges varied from 1.2 will be higher than the number counted. km2 to 9.76 km2. More comprehensive surveys, utilising Bachelor males tend to occupy the both aerial and ground techniques will be largest living areas, whereas harem undertaken during the program. This will groups occupy smaller, more stable provide a more accurate estimate of the areas (Dobbie and Berman 1990). population and distribution of feral horses both within the park and on adjoining unfenced lands. Distribution and Population of Feral Horses in OWRNP The preferred grazing areas for feral horses in OWRNP are the semi-open, grassy river fl ats, particularly along the Macleay, Chandler and Apsley Rivers as well as associated side creeks.
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2 Background (continued)
Yina NR
Imbota NR
Styx River SF
New England NP
Lower Creek SF
Georges Creek NR
Dyke SF Enmore SF Cunnawarra NP
Oxley Wild Rivers SCA
Carrai SCA Cochrane SF
Carrai NP
Oxley Wild Rivers NP
The Castles NR
Carrai SF
Legend Rivers and Creeks Bicentennial National Trail Horse Distribution 2005-06 Crown LandWerrikimbe for Gazettal NP Dec 05 Doyles River SFNP Estate Vested in Minister Mount Boss SF NP Estate Purchased not Gazetted Oxley Wild Rivers NP & SCA Mummel Gulf NP Other NP Estate 02461 Kilometres SF Estate Cottan-Bimbang NP Enfield SF Brassey SF
Figure 2. Current known feral horse distribution in Oxley Wild Rivers National Park
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3 Signifi cance of OWRNP
The park protects an area of international Georges Creek Nature Reserve Plan of and national signifi cance for its biological Management. A brief summary is set out and landscape values and of regional below. signifi cance for cultural heritage and recreation. Key natural values:
As previously stated in this plan, parts • diverse plant communities including of OWRNP are included on the World rainforests, eucalypt forests, woodlands Heritage List as part of the Central and heath, some of which are rare and/ Eastern Rainforest Reserves of Australia or restricted; (CERRA) World Heritage Area. CERRA • examples of dry, sub tropical, warm was inscribed on the World Heritage List temperate and cool climate rainforest in 1986, and extended in 1994, because types, including unparalleled samples it satisfi es three of the four criteria for of the transition of dry rainforest along natural values of outstanding universal gradients of moisture, exposure and signifi cance. soil depth; • signifi cant areas of old growth including It contains: moist forests that contain some of the • outstanding examples of the major tallest trees in NSW; stages of the Earth’s evolutionary • areas of tall moist tableland forest; history (criterion I), including • large number of threatened fauna rainforest ecosystems and relict species and rare and threatened plant plant and animal species dating from species, the centre of distribution of Gondwana; several restricted and threatened • outstanding examples of signifi cant species and limits of distribution of ongoing geological processes and several species; biological evolution (criterion II), • endemic invertebrate species in the including centres of endemism where Kunderang Brook Karst System. ongoing evolution is taking place and taxa showing evidence of relatively Signifi cant landscape values: recent evolution; and • spectacular gorges, cliff lines and • signifi cant habitats where threatened deep, steep sided valleys illustrating species of plants and animals of ongoing geomorphological processes outstanding universal value from associated with the Great Escarpment; the point of view of science and • numerous high waterfalls; conservation still survive (criterion IV), including rainforest, wet sclerophyll • panoramic views from locations along forest and rocky outcrop habitats the escarpment edge; containing threatened and rare plant • attractive tall moist forests and and animal species. rainforests. The natural values of the park, Key cultural heritage: many of which form part of its World Heritage value, are discussed in detail • a range of Aboriginal archaeological in Oxley Wild Rivers National Park, sites with traditional and contemporary Oxley Wild Rivers State Conservation values; Area, Cunnawarra National Park and • an historic homestead of national
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3 Signifi cance of OWRNP continued
signifi cance; Wilderness • nationally signifi cant remains of Two areas within OWRNP, totalling Australia’s fi rst commercial hydro- over 81,000 ha, have been declared electric scheme; wilderness under the Wilderness Act • a range of other historic features 1987. Wilderness areas are large natural including huts, a woolshed, a quarry areas of land that, together with their and forestry sites. native plant and animal communities, are Recreation and tourism opportunities: essentially unchanged by human activity. These areas contribute to the long-term • easily accessible lookouts and protection of biological diversity and associated facilities; serve as scientifi c reference areas. • a range of short to long day walks; The Macleay Gorge Wilderness area • self-reliant recreation in the extensive of 59,338 ha was declared in 1996 and network of gorges and wilderness covers the majority of the core area of areas; the park. This includes an extensive • swimming, canoeing, rafting and area of the remote middle and upper liloing along creeks and rivers; Macleay River catchment. • extended horse riding, bicycling and Declared in 1998, the Kunderang walking on the Bicentennial National Wilderness comprises of 21,937 ha. It Trail. lies to the east of the Macleay Gorge World heritage Wilderness and covers the eastern and south-eastern section of the Kunderang The primary purpose of a declared world Brook catchment. heritage property is, in accordance with Australia’s obligations under the Management of natural and cultural World Heritage Convention, to identify, heritage and of introduced species is protect, conserve, present and transmit carried out in wilderness areas in the to future generations, the World Heritage same manner as other parts of the park, values of the property. Principles, set with special attention to minimising out in regulations to the Commonwealth impacts on wilderness values. Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999, have been The following general principles apply to developed from these obligations. the management of wilderness areas in NSW: With the majority of OWRNP inscribed on the World Heritage List, these principles • restoration (if applicable) and place an obligation on NPWS for the protection of the unmodifi ed state long-term care and stewardship of the of the area and its plant and animal park. The NPWS must ensure that the communities, while managing cultural park’s values are identifi ed, protected, heritage in a manner appropriate to its conserved, presented and, if necessary, signifi cance; rehabilitated, and that individual or • preservation of the capacity of the cumulative actions do not degrade area to evolve in the absence of the values over time. The continued signifi cant human interference; and presence of feral horses impacts on the • provision of opportunities for solitude ability to properly manage the World and appropriate self-reliant recreation. Heritage Area. Feral Horse Management Plan - May 2006 9 Oxley Wild Rivers National Park eral Horse F Management Plan
4 Impact of Feral Horses in OWRNP
Introduced species, because of their horse impact is the presence of cattle in potential for serious detrimental effects many of the same areas grazed by the on ecological values, have been horses. However, as part of the OWRNP identifi ed in the plan of management as Stock Management Strategy, cattle have a signifi cant concern in OWRNP. Feral now been removed from some sections horses occur in the gorges of the park of the park and will be removed from the and on adjoining leasehold properties, remainder of the park over the next two primarily along river fl ats but also on years. adjacent gullies and ridges. These horses pose a threat to biodiversity, Impact in the form of compacted horse water quality and public safety. pads, disturbance of soil, stream bank damage and heavy grazing of native Few, scientifi c studies have been fl ora is still evident. Soil erosion and undertaken to measure the actual impact increased weed growth has also been of feral horses on the park. A signifi cant noted in areas of OWRNP frequented by factor affecting any attempt to measure feral horses.
Figure 3. Pads and erosion caused through regular movements of feral horses in Guy Fawkes River National Park (Freeman, 2005)
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4 Impact of Feral Horses in OWRNP (continued)
Research in other areas has suggested Taylor (1995), in glasshouse germination that feral horses, through their grazing trials, showed that viable seeds were and trampling, can substantially alter present in manure collected from free- the composition of plant communities ranging horses. Sieving of samples found and under dry seasonal conditions will that one horse is capable of passing compete with native fauna for available 19,412 seeds in one day and the viability food and water. The chewing and of seeds was 6.7%. The chewing of stripping of bark by horses can reduce the bark of various eucalypt species in regeneration of seedlings and may result numerous areas of GFRNP was recorded in the death of mature trees. by Schott (2002).
There have been three studies on the Horses, stallions in particular, can impact of free ranging horses in GFRNP, pose a real or perceived threat to a reserve with similar topography and bushwalkers and other park users. A vegetation communities to OWRNP. number of incidents have been reported A study by Andreoni (1998) found of confrontations when bushwalkers and extensive erosion associated with feral horses have met unexpectedly or horse movement, with the majority of of horses galloping through campsites erosion occurring on steeper slopes in during the night. Stallions are a woodland areas of GFRNP. Andreoni particular threat to horse riders who may also reported a high density of manure be travelling through the park for leisure pads in the park, with an average of 51 (along the Bicentennial Trail) or for stock pads found along 100m x 10m transects management purposes. on the valley fl oor and within grassland communities, an average of 184 square The movement of horses from the metres of pad per hectare. park onto adjoining agricultural land can impact on neighbours through competition with livestock for pasture, damage to fencing, dispersion of weeds and through attacks on stock horses depastured in the area.
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5 Objectives
The key objectives of the Feral Horse • To work cooperatively with neighbours Management Plan for Oxley Wild Rivers to reduce the impact of feral horses National Park are: on the whole of the Macleay gorges; • To ensure that feral horses are not • Conserve and protect the natural reintroduced into or are allowed to values of OWRNP by removing all reinvade OWRNP after completion of feral horses from the park and by the removal program; ensuring the park thereafter remains free of further horse impacts; and • To ensure that there is community consultation in and support for the • Provide for the humane capture removal process; handling and removal of feral horses from the park and identify options • To ensure that all feral horses for the appropriate disposal of these removed from the park are disposed horses once removed from the park. of in a humane manner; • To ensure that the removal process does not adversely impact on the Further Guiding Principles natural values of OWRNP; and • To ensure that all horses are treated • To ensure the safety of all NPWS humanely throughout the removal staff, contractors and volunteers process and in accord with the Model during the removal process. Code of Practice for the Humane Control of Feral Horses (Sharp & Saunders, 2004); 6 Legislative Framework & Guidelines
There is a range of legislation and • Model Code of Practice for the guidelines that provide the framework Welfare of Animals: Land Transport of for the management of feral horses in Horses (SCARM Report 1998); OWRNP: • Model Code of Practice for the Welfare of Animals: Feral Livestock • National Parks and Wildlife Act 1974; Animals - Destruction or Capture, • Threatened Species Conservation Act Handling and Marketing (SCA 1991); 1995; and • Wilderness Act 1987; • Oxley Wild Rivers National Park, • Environmental Planning and Oxley Wild Rivers State Conservation Assessment Act 1979 (EP&A Act); Area, Cunnawarra National Park and • Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act Georges Creek Nature Reserve Plan 1997 (POCTA); of Management. • Model Code of Practice for the Humane Control of Feral Horses, and associated Standard Operating Procedures (Sharp and Saunders, 2004); Feral Horse Management Plan - May 2006 12 Oxley Wild Rivers National Park eral Horse F Management Plan
7 The Public Consultation Process
It is essential that the community in general and particular interest groups interest groups – NPWS staff were given the opportunity to have input contacted representatives of a range into any programs to remove horses from of identifi ed interest groups including OWRNP. conservation, animal welfare and horse interest groups to advise them Consultation with of the proposed program and invited neighbouring landholders their participation in the process. 3. Formation of the Reference Several neighbours of OWRNP have Committee – Representatives from lands that either adjoin or are part of the various interest groups, key the area grazed by the feral horse neighbours and animal welfare population. These neighbours often experts were invited to join the have an intimate knowledge of horse Reference Committee. The role of movements and behaviour in the gorges. the Committee is to advise NPWS In addition some of the neighbours are in relation to community concerns, experiencing the impact from the horses animal welfare, control methods on their agricultural enterprises, including and disposal of captured horses. pasture degradation, damage to fences It provides a direct link with the and watering points and attacks or stakeholders and the rural community. interference with their saddle horses. 4. Public meetings were held in Armidale and Walcha to provide information to Consultation with Interest and receive input from the broader Groups community. The meetings provided opportunities to identify the range A number of groups have expressed of values held by people and gauge keen interest in either the management community support for the program. of the feral horses in OWRNP or in feral horse management on NPWS lands 5. Local Aboriginal Land Councils in general. The interests range from were consulted and provided with preservation of the horses, concern an opportunity to have input into the regarding the impact of the horses on the removal process. conservation values or animal welfare 6. Public exhibition of this Plan occurred during early 2006. Many submissions issues in general. were received from the community. Consultation process These submissions were considered by the Reference Committee and A staged approach was adopted for the informed many of the amendments public consultation process. The stages which were made to the Plan. included
1. Meetings with key neighbouring landholders – NPWS staff met on a one to one basis with these neighbours to draw on their local knowledge of horse movements within the gorges and to ascertain their level of interest / involvement in the project; 2. Discussions with identifi ed local Feral Horse Management Plan - May 2006 13 Oxley Wild Rivers National Park eral Horse F Management Plan
8 Horse Management Methods
The management of feral horses by Trapping is probably the least stressful conservation agencies has always been method of capturing feral horses. a contentious issue and has attracted the However, the removal of the horses from close scrutiny of a wide range of interest the trap and out of the park could pose groups. The overriding consideration signifi cant risks to both the horses and in selection of management techniques handlers. The alternative to live removal to be used in OWRNP is to ensure from the trap is the on-site euthanasia, the humane treatment of the horses under veterinary supervision, of some throughout the process. The technique (particularly injured, sick or aged) or all of or a combination of techniques must the trapped horses. also be cost-effective to reduce the horse population to the extent required Without a major commitment of within the designated time frame, without resources, trapping is generally a slower having undue or irreversible impact on technique, as the horses need time to get the natural values of the park. used to the presence of the trap when fi rst introduced into the area. There is Different horse management techniques also the interval between the removal are required depending on issues such of one mob of horses from the trap area as access, the geography of the area, and a new mob moving into the territory. seasonal conditions, band size, sex and The alternative is to use multiple traps age structure of the horse population. In over a much larger area. OWRNP it is expected that a combination of techniques will be required to remove Mustering all feral horses from the park. The Mustering is the most common form of techniques selected will need to meet capturing feral horses and may involve the criteria set out above and be suitable people on horseback, foot or motorbikes for use in rugged and often inaccessible and in some cases the use of helicopters areas. to muster the horse into a yard. The The following is a discussion of the addition, to the operation, of a small mob control methods that have been of quiet “coacher” horses to lead the feral considered in the development of this horses into the yards may increase the plan. success rate. Critical points for the success of Trapping mustering include: Trapping involves the setting up of temporary trap paddocks or yards at • local knowledge of horse movements, key locations and luring horses in with including escape routes; salt or fodder. A good local knowledge • experienced horse people capable of horse behaviour and movement of handling mobs of horse in diffi cult patterns is essential in selection of the terrain; trap site. The design and construction • well sited yards with adequate wings of the trap are also critical for success. to guide the horses into the yards; and Additionally, seasonal conditions will • suitable terrain for mustering. have a signifi cant impact on the capture There can be considerable risk and survival rates. associated with ground based mustering
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8 Horse Management Methods (continued) due to the need to pursue horses at Aerial Shooting speed over often rugged and broken terrain. Aerial shooting is a widely used, cost- effective method of removing feral horses Once yarded, there still remains the in Australia. The NSW Government issue of handling and transporting the announced it will not use aerial culling for horses from the park without undue risk horses in NSW national parks after an to the animals or handlers. incident in Guy Fawkes River National Park. Aerial culling therefore will not be Roping used as control technique. The technique involves chasing individual horses, usually foals, until they tire and Ground shooting then roping them from horseback. This Ground shooting is generally effective method is ineffective as a primary control only on fairly fl at and readily accessible technique as only one horse at a time country. It is impractical when water is is removed and success rates are often abundant and in rugged country. It is not low. There is considerable risk to both suitable for large-scale control. Wounded the horses being captured and the rider. animals are often diffi cult to pursue It is not envisaged that roping would be (Dobbie, Berman and Braysher, 1993). used as a control method for the removal of horses from OWRNP. Ground shooting is permitted in NSW national parks provided it is implemented Chemical immobilisation by appropriately trained and skilled persons working to strict protocols. The use of a “dart” gun to chemically immobilise horses would not be cost- Fertility control effective as a primary control technique for large numbers of horses in rugged Fertility control has potential for terrain. Two of the main limiting factors future use in the management of feral are the restricted range of this type of horse populations however at this fi rearm (only accurate over 50m) and the time the technology is inadequate to cost of the chemicals used. regularly deliver the required dosage of contraceptive. In most cases the There are also welfare concerns for horses would need to be captured and animals that are darted as they may restrained to permit administration of the succumb to the delayed effects of the immunocontraceptive vaccines. chemical in steep rocky terrain and be injured when they fall. With darting, Even if an effective method of delivery there is also the problem of retrieving the was to be developed, fertility control animal and transporting it to the holding would not in the short-term address the yards without causing injury to either the key objective of the removal of all feral horse or the handler. The technique may horses from the park. have some limited merit for capturing individual animals that are of particularly high value or cannot be caught using any other method.
Feral Horse Management Plan - May 2006 15 Oxley Wild Rivers National Park eral Horse F Management Plan 9 Results of Guy Fawkes River National Park Trial Horse Capture and Removal Program
In 2004, North Coast Region of the NPWS undertook a trial of passive educated to artifi cial feeds, fences capture and removal techniques for and holding yards assisted in drawing horses in Guy Fawkes River National horses into traps and educating wild Park (GFRNP). horses to artifi cial feeds. • Horses can be located gathered The trial demonstrated that horses could and moved using low stress stock- be trapped effectively in both steel yards handling (LSS) techniques. and trap paddocks. The combination of the trap paddock linked to the yards • Once captured, the horses required with multiple holding pens proved most approximately 4 to 5 hours of effective. During the 8-month trial, humanisation to prepare them for 114 horses in 19 separate mobs were transportation. captured. • Ground based LSS was less effective in forested plateau areas due in part Other key fi ndings from this trial included: to the size of the horse fl ight zone • The location and size of yards and reduced visibility in forested hilly and paddocks are important to terrain. the success of the trap and to the management of the horse’s welfare The Trial Horse Capture and Removal when captured. Program, Guy Fawkes River National • Horses can be lured into traps using Park, 2004/05 Evaluation Report feed-based lures. prepared by North Coast Region provides a comprehensive evaluation • Depending on circumstances, salt, of the techniques trialed in GFRNP and lucerne hay and molasses were has been extensively used in refi ning the effective feed lures. techniques to be used in OWRNP. • Coacher horses that have been
Figure 4. Feral horses in a trap yard in Guy Fawkes River National Park (Pines, 2005)
Feral Horse Management Plan - May 2006 16 Oxley Wild Rivers National Park eral Horse F Management Plan 10 Selection of Horse Management Methods for use in OWRNP
While it is desirable to have a broad horses undertaken during the range of options available, the program. techniques selected for the management • Helicopter mustering using LSS of horses in OWRNP must meet the techniques may be used later in the key criteria of being humane, safe and program to move mobs of horses cost-effective without having undue or from more remote inaccessible areas irreversible impact on the natural values to established trap sites. of the park. • Coacher horses may be used to facilitate feral horse acceptance of Horse Capture Techniques artifi cial feed and human presence; Based on the above criteria and the movement from paddock to yards results from the trial in GFRNP, the or to bring in individual horses following combination of techniques is separated from their mob. Coacher considered most suitable for OWRNP. horses will be mares selected from trapped mobs and will be educated • The primary technique will be to accept human contact, feed and trapping, utilising a combination of handling. trap paddocks and steel trap yards. • NPWS staff and/or contractors • Temporary trap paddocks will be may undertake the erection of trap erected at a number of strategic paddocks / yards; free feeding; locations within the park. Selection operation of trap paddocks and/or of sites will be based on knowledge other associated activities. of horse movements, potential • The removal of the horses from the for signifi cant impact on the local park by truck may be undertaken by environment and accessibility by contractors or by NPWS staff. vehicle for removal of trapped horses. • Contractors will undertake the • Trap paddocks may vary in size and handling of horses in the trap yards layout but should cover an area of including preparation for transport. approximately 15ha and contain areas of natural shelter. • Although not considered a primary method, ground shooting may be • Trap yards will be constructed of used as a control technique for portable steel cattle panels and will selected groups or individual horses be divided into at least three separate that cannot be cost-effectively and yards as well as a loading race and humanely captured and removed associated forcing yards. using other methods. • Feed based lures including salt, lucerne hay and molasses will be used to draw horses into the trap The ultimate goal for this program is to paddocks and yards. reduce the horse population in OWRNP • Low stress stockhandling (LSS) to zero. techniques will be used for the movement and handling of all feral
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10 Selection of Horse Management Methods for use in OWRNP (continued)
Capture and removal of feral Transport of captured horses by contractors horses from OWRNP Contractors will be employed to Captured feral horses will be transported undertake the capture and handling of from the trap yards by 4WD truck to feral horses within the trap yards and outside the park. Holding yards may may be utilised to carry out any other be use outside the park and will be part of the program. Any contractor accessible by a normal stock transporter employed for this program will need and transport from the holding yards to provide evidence of skills and to the fi nal destination will be the experience in the humane capture, responsibility of whoever is granted handling and / or transport of feral possession of the horses. horses, with particular emphasis on low stress stock handling techniques. The The trucks used for transport of horses provision of appropriate transportation from the park will be fi tted with crates will be the responsibility of the modifi ed to reduce unnecessary noise, contractors. stress and risk of injury to the horses. The crates will have adjustable partitions Contractors and NPWS staff involved to separate groups of horses where in the Program will be required to be required. familiar with the Codes of Practice and Standard Operating Procedures noted in Captured horses will be prepared for this Plan. transporting by limited handling and “humanisation” of four to fi ve hours NPWS staff will provide support and duration over a two to three day period supervision for the contractor(s) as well by the contractor. Low stress stock as the materials used for trap paddock handling techniques will be utilised for and yard construction. this education.
Feral Horse Management Plan - May 2006 18 Oxley Wild Rivers National Park eral Horse F Management Plan 11 Disposal of captured horses from OWRNP
There are a number of options for the that the property is of a suitable size and disposal of feral horses captured in has adequate facilities to take the horses OWRNP: as required. The holding property must also be located enough distance • Relocation to a suitable holding from OWRNP and other NPWS lands property under the supervision to prevent any chance of the horses of a horse interest group. The returning to NPWS managed lands. It subsequent disposal of the horses will be a requirement that all horses by the group will be in accord with relocated to the property will be marked agreement reached with NPWS. with a permanent identifi er, eg. freeze • Sold by NPWS through open auction branding or other readily identifi able or tender directly from a holding marking. property. It is essential that the fi nal recipients of • Retention by the contractors as all horses relocated from OWRNP take remuneration (or part remuneration) all reasonable steps to ensure that no for their efforts. horses are released or escape back into • Donated to an interested community OWRNP or into other NPWS managed group or charity for subsequent lands. This condition will be a key part disposal in accord with agreement of any agreement for the disposal of reached with NPWS. horses captured during this program. • Sent direct to an abattoir for slaughter. The Reference Committee also recommended that feral horses that cannot be disposed of by any of the The Reference Committee considered listed options, or where it is not practical all the listed options. While the to utilise any of the listed options, Committee recommended that all of the will, along with injured, sick, aged or options should be available it felt that dangerous / intractable horses, be relocation to a suitable holding property humanely euthanased on site. under the supervision of a horse interest The euthanasia of horses will be group would be most acceptable to the regulated by strict protocols and, apart community provided that: from emergencies will require approval • it could be undertaken in a cost- from the program manager or animal effective and humane manner, welfare supervisor. • a suitable community based horse The Reference Committee will continue interest group was prepared to take to play a role in the disposal of horses the horses, captured in OWRNP. The animal • there was suffi cient demand by the welfare representatives will assist in general public for the horses. ensuring that all horses are treated humanely during the disposal process.
If this option is to be used, it is important
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12 Welfare of captured feral horses
The Prevention of Cruelty to Animals All handling and movement of captured Act,1997 prohibits cruelty to animals horses will utilise low stress stock and imposes obligations for persons handling techniques to minimise stress to provide among other things food, and risk of injury to the horses. Capture drink, shelter and veterinary care for and handling will be timed to avoid the animals under their control. This is periods when females are foaling or have relevant to feral animals once movement dependant foals at foot. is restricted, for example in a trap paddock or yard. The humane euthanasia of injured, sick, aged or dangerous / intractable The welfare of all captured feral horses feral horses will be undertaken on site, will be of the highest priority for NPWS where necessary, by a competent trained staff and contractors involved in the person. The euthanasia of horses will program. All aspects of the operation be regulated by strict protocols and, will be in accord with the Model Code apart from emergencies, will require prior of Practice for the Humane Control of approval from the program manager and Feral Horses and it’s Standard Operating / or animal welfare supervisor. Procedures. The two animal welfare experts on the Reference Committee, a representative from the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA) and a local veterinary surgeon, will have direct input into welfare issues throughout the program.
Trap paddocks and yards will be constructed to provide the horses with shade and shelter and will be large enough to prevent overcrowding. The horses will be provided with water at all times and appropriate feed will be available for any horses held more than 24 hours.
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13 Monitoring and Evaluation
Ongoing monitoring and evaluation of the reports from NPWS staff, neighbouring program is needed in order to measure landholders and park users will also the success or failure of this plan in be considered in the evaluation of the achieving its stated objectives. These program. key objectives are: Monitoring the humaneness • Conserve and protect the natural values of OWRNP by removing all of the capture and removal feral horses from the park, and by program ensuring the park thereafter remains The welfare of the feral horses in free of further feral horse impacts; and OWRNP will be of the highest priority to • Provide for the humane capture, all NPWS staff and contractors involved handling and removal of feral horses in this program. Clear animal welfare from the park and identify options protocols will be established prior to for the appropriate disposal of these commencement of the program and horses once removed from the park. all operations will be in accord with the relevant codes of practice and standard Evaluation of the operating practices. A review and monitoring program will be developed effectiveness of the capture in collaboration with the Reference and removal program Committee’s animal welfare experts to evaluate and enforce these animal The effectiveness of the horse welfare protocols. removal program will be assessed by the reduction over time of the horse Low stress stock-handling techniques will population in the park. The program will be utilised throughout the program. be reviewed annually and the Plan will be reviewed in fi ve years time. A representative of the RSPCA and a local Veterinary Surgeon are on the It is expected that the capture rate will community Reference Committee and be far higher in the fi rst few years of the will be consulted on all animal welfare program, with the level of diffi culty in issues. The NPWS will undertake locating and trapping horses increasing ongoing monitoring of the welfare of the as the population decreases. Seasonal horses during the capture and removal conditions are expected to cause process. signifi cant variations in horse recruitment levels. Provision will be made for the humane euthanasia, where necessary, of any Regular aerial and / or ground surveys horse injured during the program. All will be utilised to monitor the density injuries to horses will be investigated and distribution of the horse population and any remedial action required will be throughout the program. Information initiated to prevent further occurrences, supplied by the contractor as well as where possible.
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13 Monitoring and Evaluation (continued)
Monitoring the impact of the capture and removal program The NPWS has undertaken an environmental assessment of activities related to the capture and removal of horses from the park. Impact on the environment at each trap site will be monitored throughout the program using fi xed photo points at each site.
At the completion of the program all fencing and trap materials associated with the project will be removed from the park. Where required, trap sites will be restored to a natural condition.
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14 Bibliography and References
• Andreoni, F. (1998). Evaluating • Harden, R., (1996). A Proposal for Environmental Consequences of Feral research into Recreational Horse Horses in Guy Fawkes River National Riding in Service Reserves and Park. A Report to NPWS. Department Wilderness Areas. NSW National of Ecosystem Management, Parks and Wildlife Service. University of New England, Armidale, NSW. • Freeman, M. E., (2005). Density Estimates of Feral Horses in Guy • Dobbie, W.R., Berman, D. McK., and Fawkes River National Park, New Braysher, M. L., (1993). Managing South Wales, Using an Aerial Mark Vertebrate Pests: Feral Horses. – Recapture Method. University of Bureau of Resource Sciences, New England. Canberra, Australian Government Publishing Service. • NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (2003). Guy Fawkes • Dobbie, W. and Berman, D. McK., River National Park Draft Horse (1990). Movement and Home range Management Plan. NSW National of feral horses in Central Australia. Parks & Wildlife Service, Hurstville Conservation Commission of the Northern Territory. • NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (2005). Oxley Wild Rivers • Dobbie, W. and Berman, D. McK., National Park, Oxley Wild Rivers (1992). Control of Brumbies in Central State Conservation Area, Cunnawarra Australia. Conservation Commission National Park and Georges Creek of the Northern Territory. Nature Reserve Plan of Management. NSW National Parks & Wildlife • English, A. (2000a). Report on the Service, Hurstville cull of feral horses in Guy Fawkes River National Park in October • NSW National Parks & Wildlife 2000. Faculty of Veterinary Science, Service (2005). Trial Horse Capture University of Sydney. and Removal Program, Guy Fawkes River National Park 2004/05 • English, A (2000b). A management Evaluation Report. NSW National plan for feral horses in Guy Fawkes Parks & Wildlife Service, North Coast River National Park. Faculty of Region. Veterinary Science, University of Sydney. • NSW National Parks & Wildlife Service (2002). (Draft) Wild Horse • English, A (2001). A report on the Management Plan for the alpine area management of feral horses in of Kosciuszko National Park. National Parks in New South Wales. Faculty of Veterinary Science, • NSW National Parks & Wildlife University of Sydney. Service, Jindabyne NSW.
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14 Bibliography and References continued
• Schott, C., (2002). Ecology of • Taylor, U., (1995). Seed Dispersal Free-ranging Horse in Northern from Feral Horse Manure at Guy Fawkes River National Guy Fawkes River National Park. Department of Ecosystem Park. Department of Ecosystem Management, University of New Management, University of New England, Armidale, NSW. England, Armidale, NSW.
• Sharp, T. and Saunders, G., (2004). • Wagoner, D. M., (1977). The Development of an agreed code Illustrated Veterinary Encyclopedia of practice and standard operating for Horsemen. Equine Research procedures for the humane capture, Publications, Texas handling or destruction of feral animals in Australia. NSW Department • Wilson, G., Dexter, N., O’Brien, of Primary Industries, Orange NSW. P., and Bomford, M., (1992). Pest Animals in Australia: A Survey of • Sharp, T. & Saunders, G., (2004). Introduced Wild Mammals. Bureau Model Code of Practice for the of Rural Resources and Kangaroo Humane Control of Feral Horses. Press. NSW Department of Primary Industries. And Standard Operating • Wright, P. (1971). Memories of a Procedures - Ground Shooting of Bushwacker. University of New Feral Horses, Mustering of Feral England. Horses, Trapping of Feral Horses, Methods of Euthanasia.
• Standing Committee on Agriculture and Resource Management (1998). Model Code of Practice for the Welfare of Animals: Land Transport of Horses. SCARM Report - No 62 CSIRO Australia.
• Standing Committee on Agriculture, Animal Health Committee (1991). Model Code of Practice for the Welfare of Animals: Feral Livestock Animals - Destruction or Capture, Handling and Marketing, SCA Technical Report Series - No 34 CSIRO Australia.
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