Wild Game Resources Australia
Wildlife Trade Operation Proposal
Wild Game Resources Australia
28/02/2021 Brett Conibear
PAGE 1
Wild Game Resources Australia
Table of Contents
1. Introduction 3 1.1. &1.2 Scientific Names & Common Names 3 1.3 Location of Harvest 3 1.4 What is being Harvested 4 1.5 Species protection under State legislation 4 2 Aim of Management Plan 5 3 Harvest Details 6 3.1 Where harvesting is taking place 6 3.2 Land Ownership 6 3.3 Size of the Harvest 6 3.4 Methods of Harvesting 7 3.5 Timing and Duration of the harvesting period 7 4 Impact of harvest on the taxa and the relevant ecosystems 8 5 Monitoring and assessment 10 5.1 Population Survey 10 5.2 Supervision of the harvesting 12 5.3 Monitoring effects of the harvesting 13 5.4 Proposed Biological and Environmental monitoring 13 6 Management Strategies 14 6.1 Trigger Point 1 18 6.2 Trigger Point 2 19 6.3 Trigger Point 3 19 7 Compliance 20 8 Reports 22 9 Background Information 23 10 Summary 25 11 Over-ride Provision 26
12 Bibliography 27
13 Appendices 28 13.1 Appendix 1 – Animal Welfare Standard for Hunting 28 13.2 Appendix 2 – Tasmanian Spotlight Survey Manual 83 13.3 Appendix 3 - Management Regions & Survey Routes 102
PAGE 2
Wild Game Resources Australia
1. Introduction
Wild Game Resources Australia (WGRA) is an end-to-end wild game harvesting and processing company with Operations in Queensland and New South Wales.
WGRA is developing this proposal to enable the overseas export of wallaby products that have been harvested from Tasmania.
WGRA is seeking approval to operate as a small-scale Approved Wildlife Trade Operation (WTO), under Section 303FN of the Commonwealth Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act), thus allowing wallaby harvested under this Plan to also be exported to our overseas markets that we currently supply from our NSW operations.
1 1.1&1.2 • The animals we are seeking to harvest are as follows: • Macropus rufogriseeus rufogriseus - Bennett’s Wallaby • Thylogale billardierii - Tasmanian Pademelon also called the Rufus Wallaby For the Purpose of this WTO the term Wallaby or Wallabies represents both species from her on in. 1.3 WGRA is aiming to harvest the Wallaby from Private Land over the following locations: • Mainland Tasmania (refer to Map Below Fig 1.1) • Flinders Island • King Island
Fig 1.1 Extent of reserved land (shaded green) in Tasmania managed under the National Parks and Reserves Management Act 2020. White area represents Private Land Holdings. Taken from DPIPWE (2015) Management Plan for the Commercial Harvest and Export of Brushtail Possums in Tasmania
PAGE 3
Wild Game Resources Australia
1.4 It is the intent of WGRA to harvest the following product: • Meat • Skins • Fur 1.5 Both the Bennett’s Wallaby and the Tasmanian Pademelon are classed as “Partly Protected” under the “Nature Conservation Act 2002” and the “Wildlife (General) Regulations 2010.” Schedule 2 Part 5 As a result, they can only be harvested during the open season as stated in the “Wildlife (General) Regulations 2010.” Currently there is no closed season. Refer to Fig 1.2 below
Fig 1.2 Taken from Wildlife (General) Regulations 2010 Schedule 2 Part 5
Currently this means that the wallabies can be harvested by licensed harvesters all year round. The Landholder must be in possession of a current “crop protection permit” which is secured from Game Services Tasmania. https://www.legislation.tas.gov.au/view/html/inforce/2009-12-22/sr-1999-168#JS4@EN
PAGE 4
Wild Game Resources Australia
2. Aim of management plan
WGRA plans to harvest for export up 150,000 Wallaby for meat, skins and fur using Commercial Harvesters that are licensed for human consumption. This will be conducted on Mainland Tasmania, King and Flinders Islands.
The purpose of the WTO proposal is to outline how WGRA will meet all the requirements of the associated governing bodies, to ensure WGRA can export the product in a manner that meets the requirements of a small-scale operation in that it “has a low impact on the survival or conservation status of the species being harvested” due to the fact that proportionally only a small number of the species will be being harvested.
Currently Wallaby are being commercially harvested at a rate of 50,000 to 100,000 Wallaby a year. Non-commercial culling is also occurring at a rate of 500,000 Wallaby a year. Therefore, the total current cull sits between 550,000 to 600,000 a year. These figures are supplied from unpublished documentation obtained from the DPIPWE. .Greg Hocking Principal Wildlife Management Officer Games Services Tasmania.
WGRA is proposing to develop a network of harvesters and buying sites that utilize the carcasses from non-commercial culling that is occurring on private land currently, rather than increasing the overall number of animals culled. This model will provide landholders with an alternative option of having the number of animals reduced on their properties using the WGRA commercial network of professional shooters. This will ensure the utilisation of the carcasses being culled and reduce the current waste of carcasses that are left in the paddocks to decompose.
The proposed commercial harvest only represents up to 30% of the existing non-commercial harvesting that is occurring under the crop protection permits by Landholders.
WGRA are seeking approval for this WTO for three years from approval or until a state-wide wallaby management plan is established, whichever is sooner.
PAGE 5
Wild Game Resources Australia
3. Harvest details
3.1 Region of Harvest
As stated in the DPIPWE Wildlife management brochure 2018 the:
“Bennett’s wallabies are found throughout the state, including the Bass Strait islands. They are abundant in Tasmania - their numbers and distribution having expanded over the past 30 years. This is due to a reduction in hunting pressure and the clearing of forest to result in a mosaic of pastures where wallabies can feed at night, alongside bushland where they can shelter by day.”
“Pademelons are solitary and nocturnal, spending the hours of daylight in thick vegetation. Rainforest and wet forest is the preferred habitat, although wet gullies in dry open eucalypt forest are also used. Such habitat next to cleared areas where feeding can occur is especially favoured. After dusk, the animals move onto such open areas to feed, but rarely stray more than 100 metres from the security of the forest edge. The species is abundant and widespread throughout the state of Tasmania.”
WGRA plans to carry out its harvesting on Private land throughout all of Mainland Tasmania, Flinders Island and King Island Refer Fig 1.1 above. All Private Property where the harvesting is to occur will be on Landholders property where a current “crop protection permit” is held. Harvesters will hold the following qualifications: • a “Commercial Wallaby Hunters Licence” • a currently valid certificate in the “Australian Game Meat and Hygiene Handling Standard” from a recognised TAFE. • a regulator approved course with the Firearms Safety Council in Tasmania or the Nationally recognised Course. AMPG306 – Use of firearms to harvest wild game
. 3.2 Land Ownership.
As stated above all harvesting of the Wallaby for export is to occur on Private Property where a “crop protection permit” is in place.
3.3 Size of the Harvest.
WGRA plan to export up to 150,000 animals per year, governed by the yearly survey of animal numbers and distribution carried out by the DPIPWE. Please refer to Section 6 below.
As demonstrated in section 6 of this WTO it can be seen that current harvesting of the Wallaby both commercially and non-commercially are not detrimentally impacting the density and distribution of Wallaby across Tasmania, with populations on the increase.
The proposed 150000 Wallaby a year is approximately 30% of the non-commercial cull that is currently occurring. It is not anticipated that the there will be an increase in the overall cull that is taking place, rather a utilisation of Wallaby from the non-commercial cull to a commercial harvesting market.
With the commercial cull replacing a portion of the non-commercial cull that is occurring there should be little to no impact on animal density throughout Tasmania with this WTO in place.
PAGE 6
Wild Game Resources Australia
3.4 Method of Harvest. Harvesting will occur mainly at night-time with the aid of spotlights. Animals will be taken only by harvesters holding a current Commercial Wallaby Hunters Licence. All harvesting to occur on Private land where a “crop protection permit” is in place.
Harvesters will follow the requirements laid out in the “National Code of Practice for the Humane Shooting of Kangaroos and Wallabies for Commercial Purposes. Nov 2020” Refer (Appendix 1 for details.
Harvesters will also be subject to the following Legislation: • Nature Conservation Act 2002 • Animal Welfare Act 1993 • Firearms Act 1996
3.5 Harvest season. As no closed season for “partially protected” species of wildlife is currently in place, the anticipated harvest will be undertaken throughout the year. The open season will continue to be monitored and the harvest season adjusted accordingly. Refer to Figure 1.2 above.
PAGE 7
Wild Game Resources Australia
4. Impact on the harvested species
As can be seen in Fig 4.1 & 4.2 below, the populations of both the Bennett’s Wallaby and the Pademelon have shown a steady increase in numbers over recent years.
Over this time Wallaby have been harvested both commercially and non-commercially at significant rates.
At these current rates of harvest there has been no negative impact on the populations of both Wallaby species with both trending upwards.
This WTO has in place safeguards that will ensure if population densities fall below set levels the export operation will cease. Refer to section 6 of this report. These safeguards are set in place to ensure that WGRA meets the requirements of a “small scale operation” in that “it has low impact on the survival or conservation of the being harvested” (Quote taken from WTO Application Criteria)
Figure 4.1: Population trends for Bennett wallabies in Tasmania for the period 2002-2015. Solid line represents the mean count and dotted lines represent the standard error. Taken from the “Annual Statewide Spotlight Surveys Tasmania 2019/2020 Regional Summary: Priority Harvested Species
PAGE 8
Wild Game Resources Australia
Figure 4.2: Population trends for Rufus wallabies (Pademelon) in Tasmania for the period 2002-2019. Solid line represents the mean count and dotted lines represent the standard error. count and dotted lines represent the standard error. Taken from the “Annual Statewide Spotlight Surveys Tasmania 2019/2020 Regional Summary: Priority Harvested Species
PAGE 9
Wild Game Resources Australia
5. Monitoring and assessment
5.1 Population Survey
The populations of Wallaby are currently being robustly monitored by the DPIPWE.
As Stated in the Annual Statewide Spotlights Surveys Tasmania 2019/2020: The Department of Primary Industries, Parks, Water and Environment has been carrying out annual nocturnal spotlight surveys in Tasmania in 1975. The surveys were originally designed to monitor the harvested population of Bennett’s wallabies, Tasmanian Pademelons and brushtail possums, however all observation of wild native and non-native mammal species are recorded.
Surveys are conducted by vehicle across five management regions on mainland Tasmania and also on King and Flinders Islands. Each survey route follows an existing road and is 10km long. Refer Fig 5.1 below The results of these surveys provide a long term time-series of data for detecting population trends.
The surveys are carried out in accordance with the method set out in the Tasmanian Spotlight Survey Manual (Hocking and Driessen 1992); and have been undertaken annually since 1975.
Surveys were originally undertaken along fifty-one survey routes, however following a review by Southwell (1985), the number of survey routes was increased to 132 and the methodology standardised for all surveys. Further survey routes were added between 1985 to 1990, resulting in 150 transects surveyed annually since 1990.
In 2002, further survey routes were added, and a change in methodology was made whereby the distance an animal was sighted from the survey route was noted, allowing the calculation of density indexes for the three most abundant species. In 2006, the system was further changed to record the age class (immature, juvenile, adult) and exact location of particular species.
As of 2009, there have been 190 survey routes spread across Tasmania: 172 on mainland Tasmania, 8 on Flinders Island and 10 on King Island. Appendix 3 gives an overview of the establishment of new survey routes since surveys began.
Each survey route follows an existing road and is 10 km long. Surveys are conducted by vehicle at a steady speed of 20 km/h, with the driver operating a hand-held spotlight. The driver relays their observations to a passenger for recording. The distance of each animal from the roadside is estimated, allowing a detection function to be modelled, and an estimate of species density is produced. Population trends are analysed on a regional basis. Due to the inherent biases of surveying from roads, this estimate is intended as an index of density to monitor population trends. It is used to provide an indication of changes in relative abundance.
Data recorded by the DPIPWE for the Spotlighting Surveys are broken into 5 management regions on Mainland Tasmania. Refer to Fig 5.1 and Appendix 3 for regional information.
PAGE 10
Wild Game Resources Australia
Figure 5.1 Management regions and survey routes for wildlife population monitoring, mainland Tasmania. Taken from DPIPWE (2020) Annual Statewide Spotlight Surveys, Tasmania.
The monitoring of the Wallaby is conducted yearly. For the density index data over the past 10 years please refer to section 6 below.
The data from these annual surveys are compiled by the DPIPWE and completed by mid-March. The collection of this data on a yearly basis shows the changes in density of both the Wallaby species WGRA are seeking to export via this WTO. From this data collected WGRA has set trigger points to reduce or cease its harvesting operation. Refer to Section 6.1 below.
PAGE 11
Wild Game Resources Australia
5.2 Supervision of the harvest
There are several steps taken by WGRA to ensure only legally harvested material reach the commercial market.
• All Wallabies Harvested by WGRA will be exported from Tasmania and processed by WGRA plants in NSW.
• All Tasmania harvesters and Chiller/buying depots are requires to hold a current Certificate in “Australian Game Meat and Hygiene Handling Standard” and WGRA is registered with the NSW Food Authority who do regular random checks and audits for compliance, each depot has a site Manager who checks all deliveries for legitimate licenses, and this is scrutinised by our Q.A. Officer or Meat Inspector upon arrival at either our Pet Food facility or Human Consumption facility.
• All buying depots are also registered with the Department of Planning Industry and Environment or the equivalent body in each state who do random inspections and audits as well.
• All Harvesters must do a TAFE course to the regulatory Authority Australian Game Meat and Hygiene Handling Standard to supply WGRA product, they also must complete the regulators approved course with the Firearms Safety Council in their respective State or a Nationally recognised Course.
Wallaby meat processors can only purchase wallaby from harvesters licensed by the Wildlife Management Branch (WMB). All wallaby meat processors are required by DPIPWE to report to FSB, on the number of wallabies they process. Also, all meat & skin exports must be accompanied by permits issued by the Australian Government Department of the Environment and Energy (DEE).
Refer to Table 5.2 for a summary of the systems and processes that are in place for the Exporting of Tasmanian Wallaby.
PAGE 12
Wild Game Resources Australia
Supply Chain Verification Chart Supply Chain Licence / Permit Reporting Assessment of Data Requirements Requirements Private property Crop Protection Yearly to WMB Permits Returned Permit indicating numbers harvested. Commercial Commercial Wallaby Monthly returns to Yearly audits by Harvesters Licence WMB of numbers DPIPWE harvested Registered / Licenced NSW Food Authority Random Audits To ensure compliance Games Meat Works (Human Consumption) Registered with the DPIPWE Random Audits To ensure compliance Department of Planning Industry or equivalent relevant to the state Skin and Fur Market Faunas Dealers Monthly returns to Numbers reported for Licence WMB of numbers Annual Total harvested Exporting DEE permit DEE export permit Numbers Reported acquittals and checked against WTO
Table 5.2
WMB require Licensed dealers to report monthly, which include details of who they sell their product to and in what numbers. The exporting of Wallaby out of Tasmania requires the issuing of an export permit from the WMB which verifies that they were obtained from appropriately licensed sources and that royalties have been paid. FSB also audits licensed premises to ensure all wallabies supplied are sourced only from accredited harvesters. All exports require permits issued by DEE detailing the product in each shipment.
5.3 Monitoring the effects of the harvest
Monitoring the effects of the Harvest on the Bennett’s Wallaby and Tasmanian Pademelon are laid out in section 5.1 above and section 6 Below.
5.4 Proposed Biological and Environmental monitoring
Monitoring of the density of the Bennett’s Wallaby and Tasmanian Pademelon are done via the “Annual Statewide Spotlighting Survey” as prepared by the DPIPWE. Refer to Section 5.1 above.
PAGE 13
Wild Game Resources Australia
6. Management Strategies
WGRA will establish three trigger points that will bring about the reduction or cessation of Harvesting within the 7 regions established by the “Annual Statewide Spotlight Surveys”
The Population Density of Bennett’s Wallaby and the Tasmania Pademelon are laid out in the tables below Refer Table 6.1 & 6.2 and Fig 6.1 & 6.2 Below,
As can be seen from the current density trends over the last 10 years both populations of the Bennett’s Wallaby and the Tasmanian Pademelon have been steady to increasing across all areas.
Bennett’s Wallaby density Index
Table 6.1 Regional Density Index results 2009-2019: Bennett’s Wallaby Taken from DPIPWE (2020) Annual Statewide Spotlight Surveys, Tasmania.
PAGE 14
Wild Game Resources Australia
Figure 6.1 : Density index trends in each region – Bennett’s wallaby 2002-2019 Dotted line represents 95% confidence limits. Straight line is the long-term trend Density is measured in individuals per square kilometre Note: King Island was managed and reported under a Wildlife Trade Operation plan which included different data analysis and reporting prior to 2009, consequently 95% confidence limits are not available for this period. Also, King Island was not surveyed in 2011 and 2019. Taken from DPIPWE (2020) Annual Statewide Spotlight Surveys.
PAGE 15
Wild Game Resources Australia
Tasmanian Pademelon density Index
Table 6.2 Regional Density Index results 2009-2019: Tasmanian pademelon
Figure 6.2: Density index trends in each region – Tasmanian pademelon 2002-2019 Dotted line represents 95% confidence limits. Straight line is the long-term trend Density is measured in individuals per square kilometre Note: King Island was managed and reported under a Wildlife Trade Operation plan which included different data analysis and reporting prior to 2009, consequently 95% confidence limits are not available for this period. Also, King Island was not surveyed in 2011 and 2019. Taken from DPIPWE (2020) Annual Statewide Spotlight Surveys.
PAGE 16
Wild Game Resources Australia
Figure 6.2 continued: Density index trends in each region – Tasmanian pademelon 2002-2019 Dotted line represents 95% confidence limits. Straight line is the long-term trend Density is measured in individuals per square kilometre Note: King Island was managed and reported under a Wildlife Trade Operation plan which included different data analysis and reporting prior to 2009, consequently 95% confidence limits are not available for this period. Also, King Island was not surveyed in 2011 and 2019. Taken from DPIPWE (2020) Annual Statewide Spotlight Surveys.
These density Index results will form the basis of our first trigger point. Refer to Section 6.1 below.
The second trigger point is laid out in section 6.2
PAGE 17
Wild Game Resources Australia
6.1 Trigger Point One
WGRA will implement a yearly review of the “Annual Statewide Spotlight Surveys” conducted by April 30th, which coincides with the reports which are published by the DPIPWE each year. Trigger points will be set so that if a survey region (as seen in Section 5.1 above) falls below a set population density, harvest numbers will be scaled back or cease all together in that region. Refer to Table 6.3 and 6.4 below for a historic view of density rates, which determine the average density rate per region and the trigger points for scaling back or ceasing the harvest in the region. This will ensure that any harvesting of the animals for export will not impose a threat to the wallaby populations.
As seen from the above tables the populations of the Bennett’s wallaby have been on a steady increase over the last ten years in nearly all regions, with the Central Region population growing more slowly, whilst the Tasmanian Pademelon has seen a gradual decline in the Central, South East and Flinders Island Regions, the remaining regions have seen stable to increasing populations.
Trigger Point One set by WGRA are based on the last ten years average density, Harvesting will be scaled back when the populations see a 30% Decrease in numbers within a region (based on the current 10 Year Average) and will cease altogether if a 40% Decrease in numbers is seen. Refer to Table 6.3 and 6.4 below for specific trigger points per region. The Average as stated below will be the Static Benchmark for the trigger points for the duration of this WTO.
Bennett’s Wallaby Table 6.3 Taken from DPIPWE (2020) Annual Statewide Spotlight Surveys.
Tasmanian Pademelon Table 6.4 Taken from DPIPWE (2020) Annual Statewide Spotlight Surveys.
Harvesting within a region that has fallen below Trigger Point 1 will only commence again by WGRA after the following years survey indicate that numbers have again increased to a figure above the first trigger point. If this is not obtained the region will remain closed until this result is achieved on subsequent yearly survey Reports.
PAGE 18
Wild Game Resources Australia
6. 2 Trigger Point Two
The Second trigger point set by WGRA is that of total harvest numbers. Once the yearly target has reached 150000 head, export of Wallabies will cease for the remainder of the Calendar year.
6. 3 Trigger Point Three
The Third trigger point set by WGRA is linked to the open season as laid out in section 1.5 above.
As the Wallabies are classified as “Partially Protected” they are governed by an open season under the “Nature Conservation Act 2002” and the “Wildlife (General) Regulations 2010.” Schedule 2 Part 5. As a result, they can only be harvested during the open season as stated in the “Wildlife (General) Regulations 2010.”
Currently this means that the wallabies can be harvested by licensed harvesters all year round. The Landholder must be in possession of a current “crop protection permit” which is secured from Game Services Tasmania. WGRA is governed by this open season, if for any reason the open season is cancelled or restricted WGRA will cease harvesting inline with the alteration to open season.
PAGE 19
Wild Game Resources Australia
7. Compliance
The Management of the Wallaby Populations in Tasmania fall under the jurisdiction of the Wildlife Management Branch (WMB) of DPIPWE. The primary role of the Wildlife Management Branch (WMB) is to efficiently and effectively facilitate the sustainable management of Tasmania’s wildlife populations – including game species on public and private lands to ensure their conservation. Which include Wildlife Exports – Policy and Procedures for exporting Tasmanian wildlife. Ref https://dpipwe.tas.gov.au/wildlife-management/management-of-wildlife
WMB are governed by the Nature Conservation Act 2002 and the Wildlife Regulations 1999.
Under Schedule 4 of the Wildlife Regulations 1999 https://www.legislation.tas.gov.au/view/html/inforce/2009-12-22/sr-1999-168#JS4@EN both the Bennett’s Wallaby and the Tasmanian Pademelon are classified as partly protected wildlife and as such are governed by an open season. (currently there is no closed season on these species). To harvest these species on Private Property where the wallabies are causing damage to crop, a crop protection permit must be in place, as listed under Regulation 13 of the Wildlife Regulations 1999. (Refer below) 13. Permits for taking of wildlife to prevent injury to crops (1) The Secretary or a person authorised by the Secretary in that behalf may issue a permit authorising the taking of wildlife as may be specified in the permit if satisfied that it is proper to do so to prevent the destruction of, or injury to, any stock or plants caused by that wildlife. (2) A permit issued under this regulation may authorise the possession or selling or other disposal of the wildlife taken under the authority of the permit or the products of any such wildlife.
For Commercial Harvesting to occur on these properties, the shooters must hold a Commercial Wallaby Hunting Licence (CWHL). https://dpipwe.tas.gov.au/wildlife-management/forms-permits-and-fees/hunting-forms-and- permits/commercial-wallaby-hunters-licence
A Commercial Wallaby Hunter's Licence authorises the holder to:
• take, possess and sell wallaby for commercial purposes in accordance with the conditions of the licence during the open season; and • to sell the meat of any wallaby taken by the holder to an accredited game meat processor (human consumption) or an accredited pet food works, within the meaning of the Primary Produce Safety Act 2011, or to the person in charge of the operation of any accredited game meat processor or accredited pet food processor, within the meaning of that Act
A holder of a CWHL must complete a monthly return. Each monthly return details the month it relates to and the due date. A new licence will not be granted if return details for each month have not been received.
WMB has the responsibility in the enforcement of the Nature Conservation Act 2002 and regulations as well as associated legislation such as the Animal Welfare Act 1993
WGRA have the following procedures in place to ensure that the above conditions are met:
PAGE 20
Wild Game Resources Australia • As all Wallabies Harvested by WGRA will be exported from Tasmania and processed by WGRA plants in NSW, WGRA will ensure all harvesters and Chiller/buying depots hold a current Certificate in “Australian Game Meat and Hygiene Handling Standard” and WGRA are registered with the NSW Food Authority who do regular random checks and audits for compliance, • each WGRA depot has a site Manager who checks all deliveries for legitimate licences, this is scrutinised by our Q.A. Officer or Meat Inspector upon arrival at either our Pet Food facility or Human Consumption facility. • All buying depots are also registered with the Department of Planning Industry and Environment or the equivalent body in each state who do random inspections and audits as well. • All Harvesters must hold a TAFE certified course to the regulatory Authority Australian Game Meat and Hygiene Handling Standard to supply WGRA product, • The Harvesters also must complete the regulators approved course with the Firearms Safety Council in their respective State or a Nationally recognised Course.
PAGE 21
Wild Game Resources Australia
8. Reports
The WMB collates the data from the “Annual Statewide Spotlight Surveys” and produces their report by the end of March each year for the DPIPWE. Upon having access to this report WGRA will compile and submit to DEWHA by the 30th of April an annual report on the following: • The results of the Wallaby density Index produced by the WMB for the previous year, showing these results against the trigger point 1 as listed in section 6.1 above. • The total number of Wallaby harvested by WGRA for commercial export in the previous calendar year, broken down by regions. • The report will also indicate if Trigger point 2 was reached, and if so the date on which harvesting operations ceased for that calendar year
This report will highlight if any regions are nearing or passed the trigger points as laid out in section 6.1 above. It will then list the status of each region as to if further harvesting will proceed in the region in the coming year or if operations are to be suspended for a period.
This will be done to ensure WGRA meets the criteria of a “small scale operation” in that “it has a low impact on the survival or conservation status of the species being harvested because it is restricted to • A small number of species being harvested.”
PAGE 22
Wild Game Resources Australia
9. Background Information This page was created by the Department of Primary Industries, Parks, Water and Environment (Tasmania). Last published on: 5/11/2018
Bennett’s Wallaby
The Bennett’s wallaby (Notamacropus rufogriseus), known as the red-necked wallaby on mainland Australia, is one of the states’ most commonly seen native animals.
Description: Often referred to as a kangaroo in Tasmania, males can weigh more than 20 kg and stand up to 1.5 m tall. They can be distinguished from the pademelon and kangaroo by their black nose and paws, and white stripe on the upper lip.
Distribution: Bennett’s wallabies are found throughout the state, including the Bass Strait islands. They are abundant in Tasmania- their numbers and distribution having expanded over the past 30 years. This is due to a reduction in hunting pressure and the clearing of forest to result in a mosaic of pastures where wallabies can feed at night, alongside bushland where they can shelter by day.
Diet and behaviour: The species is largely solitary, although loose groups, known as mobs, often share common feeding areas. They feed at afternoon and dusk, generally grazing on grass and herbs. Wallabies damage crops and pastures in many parts of Tasmania.
Breeding: There is a distinct breeding season, with births occurring late summer to early autumn. The gestation period is 30 days. Pouch life is about 280 days and weaning occurs at 12-17 months.
Rufous-bellied Pademelon
Description: The rufous-bellied pademelon (Thylogale billardierii) is a stocky animal with a relatively short tail and legs to aid its movement through dense vegetation. It ranges in colour from dark-brown to grey-brown above and has a red-brown belly. Males, which are considerably larger than females, have a muscular chest and forearms, and reach up to 12 kg in weight and 1 - 1.2 m in overall length, including the tail. Females average 3.9 kg in weight. The unusual common name, pademelon, is of Aboriginal derivation. It is also sometimes referred to as the rufous wallaby or Tasmanian pademelon.
Distribution and habitat: Pademelons are solitary and nocturnal, spending the hours of daylight in thick vegetation. Rainforest and wet forest is the preferred habitat, although wet gullies in dry open eucalypt forest are also used. Such habitat next to cleared areas where feeding can occur is especially favoured. After dusk, the animals move onto such open areas to feed, but rarely stray more than 100 metres from the security of the forest edge. The species is abundant and widespread throughout the state of Tasmania.
Diet: The diet of the pademelon consists of herbs and green shoots, with short green grasses being preferred. Mosses are occasionally eaten. . Pademelons were undoubtedly important in the thylacine (Tasmanian tiger) diet and are now important in the diet of Tasmanian devils, spotted-tailed quolls and wedge-tailed eagles. Pademelons can damage crops and pastures in many parts of Tasmania.
PAGE 23
Wild Game Resources Australia Breeding: Although there is no specific breeding season, 70% of pademelon births occur around the beginning of winter. Gestation is 30 days. Pouch life is 6.5 months. The young are weaned at 7 - 8 months and are sexually mature at 14 - 15 months. Longevity in the wild may be 5 - 6 years.
Status: This species is extinct on the mainland during the early 20th century because of predation by foxes and large scale land clearance, although two other species occur along the east coast of the mainland. In Tasmania, however, the pademelon is both widespread and abundant,
Both the Bennett’s Wallaby and the Tasmanian Pademelon are classified as Partially protected and can only be harvested in the open season when a crop protection permit is in place on the designated harvest area.
Currently the Wallaby are being harvested at the following rates:
• Commercial harvests are between 50,000 to 100,00 • Non-Commercial Harvest are currently 500,000 animals per annum These figures are supplied from unpublished documentation obtained from the DPIPWE. .Greg Hocking Principal Wildlife Management Officer Games Services Tasmania.
As seen in Section 6.1, Figures 6.1 & 6.2 the populations are stable with the majority on the increase.
.
PAGE 24
Wild Game Resources Australia
10. Summary
This WTO addresses the following points: • 500,000 wallabies are currently culled in Tasmania every year on a non-commercial basis with much of this product being wasted. • A further 50,000 to 100,00 wallabies are being harvested on a commercial basis • This level of harvest has occurred over an extended period of time and appears to have no effect on populations, with populations actually increasing in the majority of Regions. • Proposes that the product from up to 150,000 wallaby per calendar year can be exportable. • Has procedures in place to cease harvesting if the wallaby density index declines below the trigger point or if levels of wallaby processed reach 150,000 animals in a calendar year. • Lists the extensive licensing, reporting and monitoring controls that are in place to ensure compliance is maintained. • That it ensures that the Wallaby population will remain viable with our region-by-region approach.
PAGE 25
Wild Game Resources Australia
11. Over-ride Provision: This WTO as submitted by WGRA shall be invalid in the case of DEWHA approving a State Wildlife Trade Management Plan under section 303FO of the EPBC Act for the purpose of harvesting of Wallaby for Export.
PAGE 26
Wild Game Resources Australia
Bibliography
Hocking, Gregory J., (author.) & Driessen, Michael M., (author.) & Tasmania. Department of Parks, Wildlife and Heritage, (issuing body.) & Australian National Parks and Wildlife Service, (sponsoring body.) (1992). Tasmanian spotlight survey manual: a set of instructions and maps for conducting spotlight surveys in Tasmania. Department of Parks, Wildlife and Heritage, [Hobart, Tasmania]
Tasmania. Department of Primary Industries, Parks, Water and Environment, (issuing body.) & Tasmania. Wildlife Management Branch, (author.) (1975). Annual statewide spotlight surveys Tasmania: regional summary: priority harvested species. Wildlife Management Branch, Department of Primary Industries, Parks, Water and Environment, [Hobart, Tasmania]
DPIPWE (2020). Annual Statewide Spotlight Surveys, Tasmania 2019/2020. Nature Conservation Report 20/2
DPIPWE (2015). Management Plan for the Commercial Harvest and Export of Brushtail Possums in Tasmania. 1st July 2015 -1st July 2020. Wildlife Management Branch Department of Primary Industries, Parks, Water and Environment.
DPIPWE Wildlife Management Brochure 2018. Fauna of Tasmania, Mammals, Bennett’s Wallaby and Tasmanian Pademelon.
Lenah Games Meat Pty Ltd. Management Plan for the Commercial Export of Bennett’s Wallaby Skins from Tasmania 2012-2015 Lenah Games Meat Pty Ltd.
Calaby, J.H. (1983) Red-Necked Wallaby. In 'Complete Book of Australian Mammals'. (Ed. R. Strahan) p. 186. (Angus and Robertson: Sydney).
Hocking, G.J., and Driessen, M.M. (1992) Tasmanian Spotlight Survey Manual. Department of Parks, Wildlife and Heritage, Hobart.
Johnson, K.A., and Rose, R.W. (1995) Tasmanian Pademelon (Thylogale billardierii). In ‘The Mammals of Australia’. (Ed. R. Strahan) p. 394. (Reed Books: Chatswood).
Mooney, N.J. and Johnson, K.A. (1979) Methods for the census of wallaby and possum in Tasmania. Unpublished Tasmanian National Parks and Wildlife Service Technical Report.
Morton, S.R. and Burton, T.C. (1973) Observations on the behaviour of the macropodid marsupial Thylogale billardierii (Desmarest) in captivity. Aust. Zool. 18: 1-14.
Wildlife (General) Regulations 2010 Schedule 2 Part 5 https://www.legislation.tas.gov.au/view/html/inforce/2009-12-22/sr-1999-168#JS4@EN
PAGE 27
Wild Game Resources Australia Appendix 1: Animal Welfare Standard for the hunting of Wallabies in Tasmania
PAGE 28
Wild Game Resources Australia
PAGE 29
Wild Game Resources Australia
PAGE 30
Wild Game Resources Australia
PAGE 31
Wild Game Resources Australia
PAGE 32
Wild Game Resources Australia
PAGE 33
Wild Game Resources Australia
PAGE 34
Wild Game Resources Australia
PAGE 35
Wild Game Resources Australia
PAGE 36
Wild Game Resources Australia
PAGE 37
Wild Game Resources Australia
PAGE 38
Wild Game Resources Australia
PAGE 39
Wild Game Resources Australia
PAGE 40
Wild Game Resources Australia
PAGE 41
Wild Game Resources Australia
PAGE 42
Wild Game Resources Australia
PAGE 43
Wild Game Resources Australia
PAGE 44
Wild Game Resources Australia
PAGE 45
Wild Game Resources Australia
PAGE 46
Wild Game Resources Australia
PAGE 47
Wild Game Resources Australia
PAGE 48
Wild Game Resources Australia
PAGE 49
Wild Game Resources Australia
PAGE 50
Wild Game Resources Australia
PAGE 51
Wild Game Resources Australia
PAGE 52
Wild Game Resources Australia
PAGE 53
Wild Game Resources Australia
PAGE 54
Wild Game Resources Australia
PAGE 55
Wild Game Resources Australia
PAGE 56
Wild Game Resources Australia
PAGE 57
Wild Game Resources Australia
PAGE 58
Wild Game Resources Australia
PAGE 59
Wild Game Resources Australia
PAGE 60
Wild Game Resources Australia
PAGE 61
Wild Game Resources Australia
PAGE 62
Wild Game Resources Australia
PAGE 63
Wild Game Resources Australia
PAGE 64
Wild Game Resources Australia
PAGE 65
Wild Game Resources Australia
PAGE 66
Wild Game Resources Australia
PAGE 67
Wild Game Resources Australia
PAGE 68
Wild Game Resources Australia
PAGE 69
Wild Game Resources Australia
PAGE 70
Wild Game Resources Australia
PAGE 71
Wild Game Resources Australia
PAGE 72
Wild Game Resources Australia
PAGE 73
Wild Game Resources Australia
PAGE 74
Wild Game Resources Australia
PAGE 75
Wild Game Resources Australia
PAGE 76
Wild Game Resources Australia
PAGE 77
Wild Game Resources Australia
PAGE 78
Wild Game Resources Australia
PAGE 79
Wild Game Resources Australia
PAGE 80
Wild Game Resources Australia
PAGE 81
Wild Game Resources Australia
PAGE 82
Wild Game Resources Australia
Appendix 2: Tasmanian Spotlight Survey Manual
PAGE 83
Wild Game Resources Australia
PAGE 84
Wild Game Resources Australia
PAGE 85
Wild Game Resources Australia
PAGE 86
Wild Game Resources Australia
PAGE 87
Wild Game Resources Australia
PAGE 88
Wild Game Resources Australia
PAGE 89
Wild Game Resources Australia
PAGE 90
Wild Game Resources Australia
PAGE 91
Wild Game Resources Australia
PAGE 92
Wild Game Resources Australia
PAGE 93
Wild Game Resources Australia
PAGE 94
Wild Game Resources Australia
PAGE 95
Wild Game Resources Australia
PAGE 96
Wild Game Resources Australia
PAGE 97
Wild Game Resources Australia
PAGE 98
Wild Game Resources Australia
PAGE 99
Wild Game Resources Australia
PAGE 100
Wild Game Resources Australia
PAGE 101
Wild Game Resources Australia
Appendix 3: Management regions and survey routes The management regions reflect the areas covered by the existing population-monitoring program and correlate closely with IBRA bioregions. These regions are presented in Figure 7. South West Region (20,490 km2) The south west region is the largest of the regions, extending from Sandy Cape on the west coast to New River Lagoon on the south coast. The area consists predominantly of the World Heritage Area and other conservation reserves, with very little agricultural activity taking place in most of the region. South East Region (12,610 km2) The South east region extends from New River Lagoon on the south coast to Long Point on the east coast. It adjoins the southwest, central and northeast regions. This region includes the D’Entrecasteaux Channel area, the Tasman Peninsula, and much of the Derwent River Valley and the east coast. This region is highly developed for agriculture, including high value crops, and therefore there is a large demand for crop protection permits. Central Region (9,041 km2) The Central region is bounded by all other regions and encompasses much of the Central Plateau and the Midlands. The Midlands area has been highly modified since European settlement and is dominated by agricultural land use. In particular, the loss of natural habitat through native vegetation clearance and the growing of crops have seen the encroachment of browsing wildlife onto farming properties and they have particularly flourished in this region. North East Region (11,300 km2) The North east region extends from Long Point on the east coast to the mouth of the Rubicon River on the north coast. It encompasses the hinterland south of Launceston to Longford and westward to Westbury, as well as the Tamar Valley and the Fingal Valley in the south. This region has several important agricultural areas, particularly in the vicinities of Longford and Scottsdale as well as the northeast coast. Northwest Region (9,949 km2) The Northwest region extends from Liffey at the boundary of the Central region through Westbury to the north coast and to Sandy Cape on the west coast. It includes the far northwest as well as the Smithton, Somerset, Burnie, Devonport and Deloraine areas. Impacts to farming activities on high value agricultural lands are felt in the region although to a lesser extent than the central region due to the larger area of natural habitat available to browsing wildlife. Flinders Island (1,333 km2) Eight spotlight survey routes were established on Flinders Island in 1991 and were surveyed twice each fiscal year until 2010. Since then, they have been surveyed only once per year. King Island (1,098 km2) Ten spotlight survey routes were established on King Island in 2001 and until 2006 they were surveyed twice each fiscal year. Since then, they have been surveyed only once per year, although no surveys were undertaken in 2011.
PAGE 102
Wild Game Resources Australia
Figure 7: Management regions and survey routes for wildlife population monitoring, mainland Tasmania. PAGE 103