Premier Peter Gutwein says the State Government is considering its kookaburra control measures

Premier Peter Gutwein has responded to reports the State Government was considering a kookaburra cull.

Premier Peter Gutwein says the State Government will not start culling kookaburras following reports the pest species has spread to remote and wild parts of Tasmania.

PREMIER Peter Gutwein says the State Government will not start culling kookaburras despite reports the pest species has spread to remote and wild parts of Tasmania.

It was reported Saturday a State Government spokeswoman said selective culls may be needed to control kookaburra numbers after Birdlife Tasmania surveys showed the species had colonised in new parts of Tasmania’s West, South and highlands.

The bird species, introduced to Tasmania in the early 1900s, is known to displace and harm smaller native birdlife.

For decades, kookaburras have been confined to eastern parts of Tasmania, but it’s believed warmer and dryer conditions in recent years have led to populations seeking habitat on the fringes of the South-West Wildnerness.

“Total eradication would not be feasible but the (relevant) department may consider control of kookaburras in specific circumstances,” the report said.

Responding to the media report yesterday, Mr Gutwein said culling kookaburras was not on the Government’s radar.

“The Government, in this particular area, is not intending a cull but we will work with the experts to ensure we get the balance right,” he said.

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Birdlife Tasmania convener Eric Woehler said more research into Tasmanian kookaburras was needed to best understand the species’ impact on the state’s flora and fauna.

“What we need to do is find out the kookaburra population size in Tasmania and what impact it’s having on other birdlife,” he said.

“We need this information before we go around culling birds.

“The reality is, if you start killing off kookaburras it’s got to be done strategically because others will move in to their habitats.”

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