2024 Kosciuszko National Park wild horse population survey

Kosciuszko National Park is showing encouraging signs of ecological recovery, following a significant reduction in wild horse numbers over the past 18 months.

There is reduced bare ground, increased vegetation coverage and less trampling and pugging of stream banks around fragile sub-alpine waterways, as well as Broad-toothed rat habitat.

NPWS will continue to monitor water quality, threatened species, and sensitive areas to track the recovery.

NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) is legally required to reduce the wild horse population in Kosciuszko National Park to 3,000 horses, in designated retention management areas, by 30 June 2027. 

This action is designed to protect the park’s diverse and fragile alpine ecosystems and cultural values, while supporting a sustainable wild horse population.

The  2024 Kosciusko National Park wild horse population survey has now been published online. It confirms the NSW Government is on track to meet the legal requirement to reduce the wild horse population by mid- 2027.

In 2024, NPWS used standard distance sampling in line with previous surveys, in addition to trialling two other methods. One of the new methods, mark recapture distance sampling, is included in this report, while the trialling of thermal cameras will be provided separately.

Between the October 2023 and October to November 2024 population surveys, 6,393 wild horses were removed using various control methods including aerial shooting, ground shooting and rehoming.

Kosciuszko National Park is home to unique native species and ecosystems, many of which are found nowhere else in the world and increasing horse populations have caused widespread damage to alpine wetlands, streambanks, and endangered plant and animal habitats. 

Reducing horse numbers is essential to protect biodiversity and ensure the park’s resilience against climate change and other environmental pressures. 

More information can be found here: https://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/2024-wild-horse-population-survey