The first aerial survey since the catastrophic 2019 bushfires has found that the estimated number of wild horses in the Kosciuszko National Park has fallen - although not all agree that the figure is significant.

Aerial survey suggests possible reduction in Kosciuszko brumby numbers

The first aerial survey since the catastrophic 2019 bushfires has found that the estimated number of wild horses in the Kosciuszko National Park has fallen from 21,000 to 14,000.

The reduction in numbers has been attributed to drought, the bushfires and the fact that the 2019 survey covered the entire NSW and Victorian Alps region while this recent survey only looked at wild horses within Kosciuszko National Park. Researchers point out that the latter, in conjunction with the fact that it’s difficult to count any large animals in a large area of bushland, means that from a scientific perspective the results “are not statistically significantly different from the pre-fire survey”.

Although the estimated number has reduced, many still believe it is too high — including NSW Deputy Premier John Barilaro, who pushed for the recent recount to take place. Barilaro has long been a vocal opponent of any significant reduction in brumby numbers via culling.

"I accept that the figure of just over 14,000 wild horses in the park is still too high and that active management of their impact on the park's alpine environment must continue," said Barilaro speaking to ABC News.

You can read the full article via ABC News here.

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