Reclaim Kosci | Environmental conservation organisation

Reclaim Kosci

Add/Update information

Reviews

Tags

• Community organisation
• Environmental conservation organisation

25.01.2022 There's only 12 hours left to sign the petition to let the NSW Parliament know that you SUPPORT the reduction of feral horses in Kosciuszko National Park for the protection of nature. In the last few days, we've seen support rise to 12,000 signatures. Please SHARE far and wide and help us reach for 20K by signing at bit.ly/savekosci! (NSW residents only)

25.01.2022 With so many invasive species threatening natural biodiversity, the tireless efforts of staff and volunteers to address these issues is commendable. Follow Mountain Journal’s post to register to help with Parks Victoria’s hawkweed program in the Bogong High Plains. And if you think it’s time that NPWS were allowed to manage horses without backlash, please sign our parliamentary petition: bit.ly/savekosci

25.01.2022 With our petition set to close tonight urging the parliament to rapidly adopt a new horse management plan, we welcome this morning’s admission from Deputy Premier John Barilaro that Kosciuszko’s horse population needs to be reduced significantly over time, with acceptance of a new 2020 horse count as fact. The first Kosciuszko specific population survey has reconfirmed there’s too many horses. The survey provides a population estimate of around 14,000 horses in Kosciuszko National Park, and concludes with 95% confidence there are at least 9000 horses in the park but there could be as many as 22,000. Don’t stop the pressure, hold parliament to account, sign the petition >> bit.ly/savekosci

25.01.2022 We receive many comments along the lines of: ‘Feral horses don’t cause damage it’s all caused by pigs and deer.’ ‘Horses don’t go into mud or water’. ‘Horses don’t wallow’. For those who want evidence of horse damage from field-based studies, these articles are a good place to start https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/toc/14428903/2019/20/1 For those who want photographs, here is a freshly-compiled album.

24.01.2022 Are horse impacts unique to the Australian Alps? Unfortunately the answer is no. Just like other introduced animals, their distribution is widespread. In NSW, they’re leaving their mark (heavy, muddy ones) across at least 11 National Parks and conservation areas (not to mention they can be found on state forests and private lands).

24.01.2022 Where on earth is that draft horse management plan for Kosci? It's only a little overdue. Catch up on the latest in our newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/invasives/petition-nsw-parliament-take-2

24.01.2022 National Parks Association of the ACT has taken home the Conservation Council ACT Region's member group of the year award - a big congratulations! Your unwavering dedication to raise awareness about the threats horses pose to national parks is truly appreciated.

23.01.2022 What’s your favourite part of #kosciuszko, why do you love it and what sort of damage from feral horses have you seen in that area? The main range? The northern plains? The Pilot wilderness? Somewhere else? Over to you. Pics welcome (of both the beautiful areas and the damaged bits).

22.01.2022 Not the sort of warning you expect to find on a noticeboard in a NSW National Park! It begs the question... is the government managing a horse paddocks or a conservation area?

22.01.2022 FACT CHECK: 92% of the 193 horses removed from Kosciuszko between July and October this year were REHOMED. The so-called 'slaughter' might refer to 14 horses, which were sent to a knackery. The 14 horses were deemed unsuitable for rehoming. The current Kosciuszko horse management plan only allows for trapping and removal via rehoming or to the knackery. Photo: Statement issued 29/11/2020.

21.01.2022 Let's have an honest discussion about how horses are currently managed in Kosciuszko National Park. There is no large-scale removal. There is no in situ lethal control. The reality is, a couple hundred of horses have been removed, which is small in the scheme of things BUT an important measure to assist recovering habitats, and complement control programs being implemented for weeds, pigs, rabbits, deer and other introduced species. ... These photos were taken of the trap and removal program operated by NSW NPWS. This method offers a means of removing relatively small numbers of horses (anywhere from 1 up to 10-15 at a time). Horses are passively lured into trap yards using attractants, such as salt licks, to reduce handling and stress. The horses are then transported to holding yards and are either transported to a new home, or if a new home is unavailable, to the knackery. Animal welfare science has deemed this the most humane option of the live capture methods (in comparison to roping and mustering large groups). The majority of horses trapped this year have been rehomed, but some have gone to the knackery. Historically, the majority have gone to the knackery. Historically, trapping and removing has been unable to keep up with the growth of horses in the park. Welfare science would dictate that trapping and shooting on-site, offers a more humane approach than transporting horses long, stressful distances to a knackery. Is this a potential management method in the future? The current trap and removal program was initiated to protect fragile habitats recovering from the bushfires and will continue over summer. To rehome a horse, visit: https://www.environment.nsw.gov.au//ko/rehome-a-wild-horse

20.01.2022 Is there anything cuter than a broad-toothed mouse? These furry rodents rely on #Kosciuszko snow grass for warmth and protection against predators. Guess what happens when feral horses pick that grass to the bare earth? Artwork by Leonie G Bell. More here https://reclaimkosci.org.au/flower-project/#gallerytop

18.01.2022 Sydney Morning Herald Letters

18.01.2022 The Nationals legislated protect feral horses but oppose stronger koala protections. How Australian are the Nationals?

17.01.2022 A motion was passed in the NSW Upper House by the Animal Justice Party yesterday to support wild horse fertility control trials in Kosciuszko. The proposed trial would determine whether fertility control can be added to the tool box of control methods needed to effectively and humanely reduce Kosciuszko's growing horse problem. Previous assessments found current fertility control technologies would be unsuitable for controlling large horse numbers across Kosciuszko National ...Park. On its own, fertility control is not an immediate, sole solution to the damage caused by thousands of hard-hooves. If fertility control trials prove to be effective, only when employed in conjunction with other broad-scale population-control practices might it help achieve population reduction and minimisation of environmental impacts. This sentiment was echoed by Ms Cate Faehrmann MP, Hon Penny Sharpe and the Hon Catherine Cusack who also spoke to the motion. "We have to tell ourselves the truth: Those numbers need to be reduced. They need to be reduced faster than this pilot is going to be able to do, but it is a good start. We support the reduction of the numbers of the horses in the park in a much shorter time frame than there is currently," Hon Penny Sharpe MP. You can view the full transcript here: https://www.parliament.nsw.gov.au/Hansa//HansardFull.aspx As acknowledged by Emma Hurst MP who moved the motion, fertility control is accompanied by a range of its own welfare issues. When conducted under strict welfare protocols, other options, such as ground-shooting are an effective and humane option. Read the full analysis by welfare and RSPCA experts here: https://bit.ly/2FULzwd

17.01.2022 Our petition is now 12,500 signatures strong and climbing! Please share with all your friends and family if you want natural biodiversity put first in Kosciuszko National Park. What’s been eye-opening during the petition process is the level of awareness that now exists in communities since the campaign first started more than two years ago, Reclaim Kosci campaigner Candice Bartlett said. Many more people are aware that horses don’t belong in national parks and that their removal, alongside other pests, is critical for the protection of unique and fragile Australian habitats.

17.01.2022 These landholders get it - removing livestock is the only way to allow the water catchment to recover. When will the NSW government apply the same principles to Kosciuszko’s herds of heavy-hooved horses? "They were eating all the grasses, and bulrushes and creating tracks, so everything would wash into the creek in times of high rainfall," Ms Lucas said.

16.01.2022 A Herald Nine News Ipsos poll claims support for Barilaro is low. We wonder why?

15.01.2022 Reclaim Kosci volunteers have just returned from a visit to see how the Tantangara area was faring. The good news is that the wet spring has produced a wonderful display of wildflowers. The mixed news is that the wet spring has also dispersed the horses, reducing pressure on damage 'hot spots' near creeks but increasing the pressure on tucked-away little valleys that shelter yellow, white and purple daisies, and other botanical gems.

14.01.2022 Here's another beauty from our gallery of #Kosciuszko artwork. This one's called "Too Many Horses" & features artists Cynthia Breheny's own hair! We love how even the foliage in the background looks like horses, as if to emphasise the way they sadly now dominate the landscape

12.01.2022 Keep on sharing guys! We’re determined to reach 20,000 signatures by mid Jan Ask a friend. Ask a relative. Time to start a conversation about the true nature of horses in the Aussie alps.

11.01.2022 We’re reached over 1,000 signatures on our parliamentary petition (1,239 to be exact)! Please keep signing and sharing to help us reach the necessary 20,000 to trigger a debate in the NSW lower. Froggy will thank you. NSW residents, sign here: bit.ly/savekosci

11.01.2022 This is not just some small tree on a rock. It's a young kurrajong with a big task ahead of it. It was the only young kurrajong seen by members of the Canberra Bushwalking Club who have just returned from nine days rafting the Snowy River. They saw plenty of mature kurrajong trees, like the one in the second image. But no seedlings. Why? Because the seedlings are being eaten by feral horses. This little tree has survived because it's growing out of a horse-unfriendly boulder. Sadly, as the older kurrajongs die, the task of re-seeding the banks of the Snowy will fall to a few remnant kurrajongs like this one.

11.01.2022 Wow! Lucky horses haven’t encroached on this area yet. Kosciuszko wildflower magic from Mike Edmondson photography. Check out all his photos at www.mikeedmonson.com.au

11.01.2022 CSIRO have discovered a whole new genus of daisy! And turns out, if you’re a walker of the Australian alps, you’ve probably seen it flowering in summer The alpine groundsel belongs to this genus and is a common sight to alpine hikers There is so much we are yet to learn about Australia’s unique biodiversity. Reality is, if we don’t control threats like horses, we could be losing much more than we currently understand.

10.01.2022 Graeme campaigned for the removal of destructive horses from this beloved Park until he was too ill to continue. Graeme's humbleness, integrity, sparking smile, energy, determination and commitment to protecting "nature's gifts" inspired his many colleagues, students and friends to do better wherever he worked. Graeme’s fight to support protected areas continues to inspire us.

10.01.2022 It is with heavy hearts that we share the news that Dr Graeme Worboys, a champion for Kosciuszko and mountain environments and protected areas across the world is no longer with us. What has been incredible is that Graeme found ways to contribute even up until the end. The recently published book Kosciuszko - A Great National Park - will be just one of his important lasting legacies. Thank you Graeme for everything you have done for us. ... Our thoughts are with his family and friends.

10.01.2022 The new horse population survey for Kosciuszko National Park using world best practice has now commenced. View the latest updated provided in parliament last week.

09.01.2022 It was wonderful to meet Kristy McBain to present her with this gorgeous representation of the threatened alpine sun orchid, created by local artist Kerry Moir. We could get lost in all the colours we hope this Kosciuszko local brings you joy in your Queanbeyan office. Congratulations again on your win in the Eden-Monaro byelection earlier this year! Read more: https://reclaimkosci.org.au/flower-project-moir/

08.01.2022 The world of John Barilaro. Destructive feral horses? Protect them! Iconic koalas? Log their fire-affected forests!... Good little exclusive in the Sydney Morning Herald today https://www.smh.com.au//barilaro-ignored-pleas-to-protect-

08.01.2022 Welcome back to work this morning Mr Barilaro! In this video, Mr Barilaro welcomes people to the land that hosts the horses. Seriously, the land doesn't belong to the horses and they are decimating our unique alpine environment. Help us defend our mountain heritage!

07.01.2022 We've broken the 15K mark! Thank you to all the late night keyboard activists and #nature warriors who signed to #SaveKosciuszko. Just one hour left to add your signature >> bit.ly/savekosci

07.01.2022 It’s been 20 years since horse management was politicised and attempts to introduce widely-consulted, science-based, thoughtful management plans to stop the spread of wild horses across the state have been thwarted by power players. In today’s Sydney Morning Herald, NSW Environment Minister of the time Bob Debus and RSPCA CEO Steve Coleman address the incident and the challenges faced today. Continued in comments.

07.01.2022 We're pleased that post-fire horse trapping and removal continues in Kosciuszko National Park. Over 90% of the ~200 horses trapped in the last couple of months have been rehomed. The ability to rehome horses depends upon the availability of suitable homes - if you're interested, register using the link below or contact your local rehoming group. While trapping and rehoming is not a long-term solution on its own to deal with the thousands of horses now in Kosciuszko National Park, it's important to acknowledge and respect those who accept management is needed and are working collaboratively to get horses out of our fragile park

05.01.2022 More turmoil in the NSW Nationals. No direct statements linking to John Barilaro’s actions but there’s talk that former deputy leader Niall Blair does not support the direction of the party

05.01.2022 Brighten up your Wednesday with a flame robin. These delightfully musical little birds are found across the cooler parts of SE Australia and are always a welcome sight offset against the olive greens and browns of the summer landscape in Kosciuszko. Just another reason we #LoveKosci Pics by Ant Sharwood and Gary Dunnett

05.01.2022 It is a choice no one likes to make, but when horse populations have been allowed to grow to the thousands in a park we care so much about, what can be done? On the advent of this environmentally tragic anniversary for NSW national parks it's time for all parties to openly address the issues and move forward in a sensible fashion.

03.01.2022 A 17-year-old has been charged after disobeying the law and hunting in a NSW National Park, leading to two cases of animal cruelty. Reclaim Kosci does not condone this irresponsible act that has resulted in animal cruelty. All animals should be treated in a humane manner. Lethal control of animals can be humane when carried out by trained pest control professionals operating in accordance to the law, strict codes of practice and animal welfare protocols. ... This was not the case in this instance in which the law was disobeyed when a teenager decided to recreationally hunt in a national park.

03.01.2022 Just three hours left to sign the petition and send the strongest possible message to the NSW Parliament that we want Kosciuszko National Park protected from feral horses. We’re at 14.8K. Can you help us? NSW residents - go! Sign at: Bit.ly/savekosci Pictured: ANU Professor Jamie Pittock is warning that some of our greatest rivers are being trashed at their source.

03.01.2022 More spotted-tailed quolls please <3 These guys are the largest marsupial carnivore surviving on mainland Australia and are nationally endangered. Check-out the unique markings on this one recently sighted in Kosci!

02.01.2022 Kosciuszko would "not be despoiled by man, its catchments protected and a great park would be "preserved for all time. These visionary words came from the The Hon J. M. Tully MP, Minister for Lands in 1944, as the Kosciuszko State Park bill went before the NSW parliament. They're part of a wonderful retrospective story on Kosciuszko's 75th anniversary written last year by the late Graeme Worboys. We share the story again today as we mourn Graeme after his sad recent pass...ing. https://johnmenadue.com/graeme-worboys-celebrating-kosciu/

01.01.2022 Feral horse and feral pig damage in peatlands

01.01.2022 Our spotted quoll post yesterday seems to have resonated with quoll-followers! We'd be interested in your interpretation of these quoll photos, all taken from a fixed camera on a private property bordering Kosciuszko NP. The first shows a feral horse muddying a water source. The second shows a quoll daintily crossing that mud on a stick. The third shows the quoll drinking. Perhaps feral horse activity affects native animals in ways we as yet know little about?

01.01.2022 Meet the Guthega skink, a cold-blooded creature that lives in Australia’s coldest region the #SnowyMountains! This little lizard is facing a tonne of threats from habitat loss, including grazing and disturbance by horses, deer and pigs. This year a series of permanent monitoring plots were established across five sites, with capture and release monitoring undertaken at each site to assess population density, #demographics and health of this unique #reptile.... We caught 32 skinks all up and this data will provide important info for #SavingOurSpecies to analyse and protect #Guthega #skink habitat and populations into the future. Reshared from: NSW Enviro Media Photos: Bec Byrne/Mel Schroder/DPIE