185,599 Bennetts wallabies and Tasmanian pademelons killed between 2015 and 2019

The Greens have slammed the use of “inappropriate spotlight surveys and anecdotal reports” to justify culling after the shocking number of wallabies and pademelons killed between 2015 and 2019 was revealed.

THE slaughter of more than 180,000 wallabies highlighted the need for greater funding for native wildlife management, the Greens say.

A Tasmanian pademelon. Picture: Alex Coppel.

Figures released by the Department of Primary Industries, Parks, Water and Environment under Right to Information revealed that 185,599 Bennetts wallabies and Tasmanian pademelons were killed by holders of commercial hunters licences between 2015 and 2019.

The species, which are abundant in Tasmania, are partially protected, but can be a nuisance for farmers.

Both species are also major contributors to Tasmania’s roadkill problem.

Revelations last year that DPIPWE had granted permits for the culling of 8000 black swans provoked outrage from animal lovers.

Other data released by the department indicated 12,005 crop protection permits granted, including 21 for galahs, 22 for green rosellas, 151 for wombats and six for platypuses.

Greens environment spokeswoman Rosalie Woodruff. Picture: MATHEW FARRELL

Greens environment spokeswoman Rosalie Woodruff said it was hard to know what proportion of the species’ population was being shot each year.

“The persistent underfunding of the Wildlife Branch of DPIPWE means we don’t have accurate population data on Tasmania’s wildlife,” she said.

“Relying on inappropriate spotlight surveys and anecdotal reports to justify culling and commercial harvest is unacceptable.”

Dr Woodruff said the branch needed to be properly funded in order to do its work.

“We are in a climate emergency and an extinction crisis. The current industry-first approach is leaving our native wildlife last,” she said.

“We really need to know what is happening with Tasmania’s wildlife.

“When we are through this emergency period, we hope the Labor and Liberal Parties will support a Parliamentary Inquiry into the management and protection of our native species.”