Kosciuszko Park Horse Numbers Increase

Why this is here: The New South Wales government paused aerial culling in Kosciuszko national park in 2025, a decision followed by a surge in the feral horse population.

Conservationists in Australia report feral horse populations increased in Kosciuszko national park after New South Wales paused aerial culling in 2025. New survey data estimates the horse population grew by thousands. Advocates link the increase directly to the halt in aerial culling programs.

The park currently designates retention zones where thousands of horses are allowed to remain. Conservationists now request a review of these zones, suggesting current policies are insufficient. They believe the growing population poses a risk to the park’s fragile alpine ecosystem.

The survey does not detail the specific number of horses present before or after the pause. It also does not outline specific plans for future management strategies. The need for effective population control remains a challenge for park management.