Maria cull to keep wallabies in check

A WALLABY cull on Maria Island National Park next week is expected to reduce the local mammal population by at least 550.

Since 1994, the number of wallabies and pademelons on the island, off the East Coast, has been annually assessed to see if culling is needed to reduce malnutrition and disease among the animals.

Six shooters — experienced wildlife management officers — will carry out the cull, with the carcasses to be buried on the island.

Parks and Wildlife Services acting Southern Region manager Shane Breen said authorities had a responsibility to manage Maria Island to conserve the island’s biodiversity and maintain a viable and healthy animal population.

“PWS has been actively managing the island’s macropod species since 1994 and this year there is a need to remove up to 550 animals — 350 Bennetts wallabies and 200 pademelons,” Mr Breen said.

“The decision to remove these animals is based on a monitoring program of key indicators that provide a picture of the health of the animals, the island’s vegetation and current and future conditions.”

The Australian Society for Kangaroos has previously criticised the way wallabies are culled on Maria Island.

The cull will run Sunday to Friday.