Ahead of World Kangaroo Day tomorrow, the Kangaroo Industry Association of Australia (KIAA) is taking a stand against the false claims and misinformation being circulated regarding kangaroo management. Whilst the industry acknowledges concerns raised by animal activist groups, it emphasises the importance of a fact-based, scientific approach to the management of an overabundant species.
KIAA President Ray Borda said the peak body for the commercial kangaroo industry is committed to dispelling myths and ensuring the public understands the environmental advantages of its practices.
“Emotionally charged and inaccurate campaigns will lead to adverse animal welfare outcomes. Decisions regarding kangaroo management are based on scientific evidence and a comprehensive understanding of the benefits it brings to both the environment and conservation efforts. All commercial industry kangaroo meat is produced as a result of the Australian Government’s Kangaroo Management Program, a program subject to strict regulations and ongoing scrutiny,” said Mr Borda.
Key Points:
- Environmentally friendly choice: Kangaroo products are an environmentally friendly choice due to their low carbon footprint and sustainable sourcing. Kangaroos require no additional energy to capture and contain.
- Abundance and sustainability: Australia is home to over 40 million kangaroos, with the commercial industry harvesting only around 4% of a few abundant species each year. This harvest is conducted under rigorous government regulation and oversight.
- Energy and water efficiency: The commercial kangaroo industry is proud to use less energy and water compared to other meat industries. Kangaroos’ unique characteristics mean they require minimal resources for production.
- Carbon footprint: Kangaroos have a remarkably low carbon footprint. They produce only around 0.003 tonnes of carbon dioxide per animal per year, in stark contrast to cattle (1.67 tonnes per animal per year) and sheep (0.14 tonnes per animal per year).
- Water usage: Kangaroos require significantly less water than other livestock. Cattle need 80 litres of water a day, sheep require 11 litres of water a day, while kangaroos only need 1.5 litres of water a day.
- Less land and vegetation damage: Kangaroos, with their “soft feet,” have a lesser impact on land and vegetation compared to sheep and cattle on a kilogram-for-kilogram basis.
- Carbon footprint accreditation initiative: The industry is taking a pioneering step by initiating a carbon footprint accreditation program. This initiative formally recognises the industry’s commitment to maintaining a low carbon footprint.
Mr Borda continued: “In the absence of a commercial industry, conservation culling would still need to occur to manage the populations of certain species. A strictly regulated and ethical commercial industry has the ability to make use of kangaroos that would otherwise need to be discarded.
It ensures kangaroos are harvested humanely by licensed and qualified shooters, in sustainable numbers that are traced and recorded, and are used to create high-quality products that bring jobs and money into the economy.”
For further information, please view this brief video from scientific experts and indigenous representatives detailing the effects of kangaroo overpopulation in Australia: Australia’s Hidden Shame – The True Roo Story
