We support a sustained program to remove feral horses from the magnificent but fragile Alpine National Park, to reduce impacts on threatened species, water catchments, and rare alpine habitats.
Action to greatly reduce the number of feral horses in the Alpine National Park is long overdue. After many years of public consultation, Parks Victoria is now planning to remove all horses from the Bogong High Plains, and at least 400 each year from the larger population in the eastern section of the Alpine National Park. These proposals in Parks Victoria’s Feral Horse Strategic Action Plan are very welcome, and it is important the program is well resourced.
Extensive scientific studies show that horses damage the many peat beds and wetlands that should be feeding clear water into our rivers and streams all year long. They also threaten a number of rare alpine plants and animals.