New Animal Products - RIRDC Completed Projects in 2006--2007 & Research in Progress as at June 2007

|| Home || SEARCH|| Contact || Free Research Publications || Eshop || Privacy Statement ||

RIRDC Completed Projects in 2006-2007 & Research in Progress as at June 2007
BACK TO INDEX

3.3 Rangelands and Wildlife – Completed Projects
Project No	Project Title	Researcher	Phone	Organisation
ROS-1A	Policy design for conservation through sustainable use: Barriers and stimuli	Dr Rosie Cooney	02 9385 5710	Independent consultant

3.3 Rangeland and Wildlife Systems– Research in Progress
Project No	Project Title	Researcher	Phone	Organisation

MDL-1A, MDL-2A	Sustainable Wildlife Enterprises for the Maranoa Wildlife Management Conservancy	Stacey Henry	07 4623 1072	Mitchell & District Landcare Assoc
PRJ-000877	Sustainable Wildlife Enterprises trial Murray Darling Rangelands Conservancy	Sheree Scott	03 5027 2416	Rangeland Management Action Plan Inc
AGT-13A	Marketing produce from Wildlife Management Conservancies	Peter Chudleigh	07 3870 9564	Agtrans Research
RMI-19A	Optimising economic returns from mixed livestock and wildlife systems	John Hearne	03 9925 2283	RMIT University
CCW-2A	Strategic management of total grazing pressure in semi-arid environments	Peter McCafferty	08 9222 3017	Chemistry Centre (WA)
CGA-1A	Destocking rangelands: effects on carbon sequestration, fire management and biodiversity	Richard Harper	08 9475 8824	Forest Products Commission (WA)
PWS-1A	Sustainable use of wildlife and tourism on pastoral properties in Northern Australia – Bullo River Station	Tony Bowland	08 8995 5058	Parks and Wildlife Service of the NT
UA-69A	Tammar wallaby harvesting as a sustainable wildlife enterprise	Philip Stott	08 8303 7838	University of Adelaide
UNS-20A	Barrier Ranges Sustainable Wildlife Enterprise Trial	Peter Ampt	02 9385 5677	FATE, University of New South Wales
UNS-21A	Models for sharing benefits from wildlife harvesting among collaborating landholders	Rosie Cooney	02 9385 5731	FATE UNSW

RIRDC Research in Progress

Project Title: Policy design for conservation through sustainable use: Barriers and stimuli

RIRDC Project No.: ROS-1A

Researcher: Dr Rosie Cooney

Organisation: Independent Consultant

Phone: 0404 979 838

Fax: 02 9385 5710

Email: Rosie.Cooney@gmail.com

Objectives To identify policy barriers and constraints to Conservation through commercial Sustainable Use of wildlife (CSU) in Australia,

Background Conventional approaches to conservation and land management in Australia have a number of shortcomings. While protected areas are necessary and important, they are widely viewed as insufficient in current extent to adequately conserve biodiversity; they face funding challenges for adequate management, particularly against weeds, feral animals, and fire; and their scope for further expansion is strictly limited. On private land, regulation and enforcement to achieve conservation outcomes is expensive and difficult to enforce; and imposes costs which make compliance incomplete, arouses political opposition, and renders compensation expensive. Incentive-based approaches based on public payment for conservation offer much potential, but require large and ongoing payments from a limited resource base. This raises the relevance of commercial sustainable use of wild resources – plants, animals, and landscapes – as an incentive-based approach to secure conservation and economic outcomes. In Australia, conservation through sustainable use remains largely unfamiliar in conception and limited in implementation.

Research This project was carried out through desk-based review and analysis of relevant literature, legislation and policy, supplemented by open-ended interviews with a wide range of stakeholders and experts, including established enterprises and the trial SWE. It focused on use of wild animals, and particularly on three activities: harvesting wild species; recreational hunting; and commercial wildlife sanctuaries based on reintroductions and tourism. It developed recommendations for policy that actively supports and stimulates CSU, focussing in particular on the Sustainable Wildlife Enterprise trials.

Outcomes This research provides an analysis of current policy and regulatory constraints and barriers to successful conservation through commercial use of wildlife in Australia. The report: ·1 made a number of key findings regarding policy constraints on conservation through sustainable use,
·2 suggests avenues for exploration should conservation through sustainable use be seen as promising, and
·3 makes a number of recommendations for decision-makers.

Implications Conservation through sustainable use has received increasing international attention, is supported by an increasing array of successful examples of its use, and has been endorsed within key international conservation flora, including the Convention on Biological Diversity, the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora, and IUCN – The World Conservation Union.
Use of wild resources may also provide the opportunity for diversified and more resilient land uses and income streams, and improve the sustainability of management of the resource base.

Publications Forthcoming RIRDC report: Cooney R (forthcoming) Too many sticks, not enough carrots? Regulatory constraints to conservation through commercial sustainable use of wildlife in Australia. RIRDC, Canberra.

RIRDC Research in Progress

Project Title: Sustainable Wildlife Enterprises trial - Maranoa Wildlife Management Conservancy

RIRDC Project No.: MDL-1A and MDL-2A

Researcher: Stacey Henry

Organisation: Mitchell and District Landcare Association

Start Date: 1 Mar 07

Finish Date: 28 Feb 08

Phone: 07 4623 1072

Fax: 07 4623 1072

Email: mitchell_lcare1@bigpond.com

Objectives To test if the integration of conventional agriculture production, tourism and sustainable commercial use of wildlife can lead to improved conservation outcomes

Current Progress
(200 words maximum)
The Maranoa Wildlife Management Conservancy at Mitchell, Queensland, is predominately cattle country, but also supports grain production, small scale sheep and goat production and forestry. The conservancy started with a core of 22 members from two Landcare groups covering 300,000 hectares. Involvement in SWE is seen as an opportunity to develop commercial enterprises and diversify farm incomes whilst addressing land management concerns including
1 total grazing pressure
2 soil fertility and productive capacity
3 water resource management
4 native vegetation management, and
5 pest management

Feasibility studies indicated potential opportunities for greater landholder involvement in the kangaroo industry and native forestry including cypress and native lime production.

Since its establishment in 2005, the group completed detailed land use and vegetation mapping, as part of regional sub-catchment planning. The data collected was integrated into a Geographic Information System (GIS) system incorporating information on land use, and will provide the foundation for monitoring programs to assess the success of trial enterprises in achieving commercial and land management objectives.
Wildlife Management Conservancy principal investigator Tom Garret and Landcare Coordinator Stacey Henry have supported negotiations with landholders and kangaroo harvesters to identify their needs:
·1 Mitchell & District Landcare (MDLA) meeting to discuss the proposed project with Landcare members. Kangaroo Harvesters invited.
·2 Information sheet compiled (specialist).
·3 Letter sent out to 225 landholders provide clarity on what the project is about and an invitation to participate and indicate current harvesters operating on their properties.
·4 Responses from these letters will be promptly followed up by the PI and the LC to confirm interest and gain insight into landholder expectations of the project.
·5 Follow up phone calls to harvesters operating on interested landholders properties.
·6 Proposed meeting with the harvesters to give an overview of what is involved with the project and what they will be required to commit.
Different models of chiller ownership are being reviewed with a view to the development of a cooperative arrangement for the WMC structure.

RIRDC Research in Progress

Project Title Sustainable Wildlife Enterprises trial Murray Darling Rangelands Conservancy

RIRDC Project No.: PRJ-000877

Start Date: 01/07/2007

Finish Date: 30/06/2008

Researcher: Sheree Scott

Organisation: Rangeland Management Action Plan Inc

Phone: 03 5027 2416

Fax: 03 5027 2481

Email: Rmap_clc@bigpond.net.au

Objectives ·1 Integration of property level management plans with regional natural resource management plans,
·2 Initiation of a framework for landholders to share proceeds of harvested wildlife
·3 Estimation of kangaroo populations on WMC properties the wider sub -catchment and rates of sustainable use,
·4 Identification of size of markets for produce from WMC enterprises that are badged as leading to a net conservation gain,
·5 Communication of experiences, expectations and opportunities among WMC members, and communication of project results to the broader rural community.

Current Progress
(200 words maximum)
The Murray Darling Rangelands Conservancy has re-established following on from the Barkindji Biosphere group to initiate a collective group of landholders to form a wildlife conservancy. The group consists of 4 core businesses and 4 other identified properties, with promotion of the project to other members of the Rangeland Management Action Programme and the broader community to increase participation.
Each property involved has had a property map developed indicating the low, medium and high densities of kangaroo numbers as an estimate in relation to the land system types.
The most up to date information on kangaroo population estimates has been obtained from NSW DECC which will assist in determining sustainable rates of use for the conservancy.
Discussions of the project with the Lower Murray Darling Catchment Management Authority have been undertaken to identify potential funding programs and future investment opportunities including National Landcare Program and the Natural Heritage Trust.
Kangaroo population estimates have been carried out on participating properties in conjunction with NSW DPI Dr Steve McLeod. The group is proceeding to implement plan developed under the sustainable wildlife enterprises process. In conjunction with Dr Rosie Cooney, a draft letter has been prepared from the group to kangaroo processors. A strong liaison with shooters and processors will be put in place to develop a model for operation of the conservancy.

RIRDC Research in Progress

Project Title Marketing Produce from Wildlife Management Conservancies

RIRDC Project No.: AGT-13A

Start Date: 23-Apr-2007

Finish Date: 16-Nov-2007

Researcher: Peter Chudleigh

Organisation: Agtrans Research

Phone: (07) 3870 9564/ or 07 3870 4047

Fax: (07) 3371 3381

Email: peter@agtrans.com.au

Objectives To support the SWE trials by identifying market opportunities, consumer and purchaser requirements for products from the Wildlife Management Conservancy.

Current Progress
(200 words maximum)
The project team is made up of agricultural economists, a market research and marketing specialist, and a person with experience of the development of the conservancy and its history.
The project commenced in May 2007 with a team meeting to identify roles and the approach to be taken. Initial activity has focused on defining the factors on conservancy properties and along the marketing chain that potentially can be used to increase the demand for kangaroo meat delivered form the conservancy. This will guide appropriate market research with consumers and other participants in the marketing chain.
The information from the market is expected to lead to strategies for market development and in particular, potential badging of products with some form of accreditation and chain of custody associated with environmental and wildlife management systems.
This will in turn assist the rural sector with diversification, especially in rangeland areas where new production options are minimal. It could provide RIRDC with a win-win strategy of increasing profits for rural landholders but at the same time increasing environmental sustainability and strengthening the social fabric of rural areas.

RIRDC Research in Progress

Project Title Optimising economic returns from mixed livestock and wildlife systems

RIRDC Project No.: RMI-19A

Start Date: 13 Nov 2006

Finish Date: 12 Nov 2009

Researcher: Professor John Hearne

Organisation: RMIT

Phone: 03-99252283

Fax: 03-99252454

Email: John.Hearne@rmit.edu.au

Objectives To determine the economic benefits of integrating conventional livestock with the sustainable commercial use of wildlife.
To develop a method for determining the partitioning of grazing resources amongst conventional livestock and wildlife in an economically optimal way.
To identify and fill knowledge gaps where appropriate.

Current Progress
(200 words maximum)
A visit to the study area was made followed by a meeting with stakeholders in the Mitchell District. It was noted by stakeholders that they would need to distinguish between farms on either side of the dingo fence to provide valuable predictions of the benefits of multi-species enterprises for grazing enterprises.
After consultation with Natural Resources and Water Queensland, through Peter Timmers, the project has been given permission to use GRASP. The most recent version of the model is estimating biomass growth and livestock grazing, and the goal is to develop a module to include kangaroo grazing. Since receiving the new version of GRASP, work has been completed to calibrate GRASP to the Maranoa region, specifically Mitchell.
One of the reasons for selecting Mitchell within this region is the availability of climate data, as opposed to interpolated data for other areas in the region. A previous version of GRASP had been calibrated to this area for sheep grazing, with acceptable results but with a few reservations. The newer version of GRASP has addressed some of these reservations, and produced similar results when considering biomass, rainfall and cattle grazing.
Once more information is available with regards to the specific study sites chosen, modifications will be made to ensure that the new GRASP model is calibrated to these specific situations. Vegetation biomass data from two sites, on either side of the dog-proof fence, will be collected in late June. These data will be used to further calibrate the model and provide initialisation values for simulations.

RIRDC Research in Progress

Project Title Strategic management of total grazing pressure in semi-arid environments

RIRDC Project No.: CCW-2A

Start Date: 07-Aug-2006

Finish Date: 01-May-2008

Researcher: Peter McCafferty

Organisation: Chemistry Centre (WA)

Phone: (08) 9222 3017

Fax: (08) 9325 7767

Email: pmccafferty@ccwa.wa.gov.au

Objectives To investigate the effectiveness of a recently developed kangaroo deterrent.

Current Progress
(200 words maximum)
The chemical deterrent formulation (subject to an existing IP agreement) is based on naturally occurring compounds that are not deleterious to the health of the target or non-target species.
The project is investigating grazing management strategies (e.g. 20 paddock rotation grazing system) in which the deterrent formulation is integrated in order to reduce the adverse impacts of kangaroo grazing pressure on the rangelands system.
The successful outcome of this project will encourage more innovative approaches to the integration of new ideas and technology to producers in the pastoral regions.
Remote digital cameras have been trialled at several locations and have been useful in collecting data on the movement and numbers of kangaroos and stock. This data will also be used to measure kangaroo numbers against scat counts; the more traditional (and validated) means of estimating kangaroo numbers. Additional cameras (with video capability) will be utilised to measure the reaction to the deterrents.
The planned deterrent trial this season has been hampered by the availability of water on the selected properties impacting kangaroo numbers. The average rainfall for Meekatharra for the six months January to June was 27.2mm compared with the average for the same period this year of 12.3mm. Similarly the figures for Cue are 25.4mm and 8.2mm respectively. The trial has thus been rescheduled to occur around October when the kangaroo numbers are expected to be more amenable to the study goals. During the intervening period deterrent gels (rather than liquids) will be manufactured which may give the products additional durability in the rangelands.
A recent field trip to several sites around the Meekatharra/Cue region has resulted in additional site information and data.
Preliminary discussions have begun with a major international mineral producer who operates several key leases in the north west of WA. This may result in additional trial sites for this or subsequent projects.
The project team has been strengthened by the recruitment of Valentina Mella, a post graduate from Curtin University. Valentina has direct experience with kangaroo deterrents in a Western Australian context and other animal deterrent experience from overseas.

RIRDC Research in Progress

Project Title Destocking rangelands: effects on carbon sequestration, fire management and biodiversity

RIRDC Project No.: CGA-1A

Start Date: 20-Sep-2004

Finish Date: 30-Nov-2008

Researcher: Dr Richard Harper

Organisation: Forest Products Commission

Phone: 08 9475 8824

Fax: 08 9475 8877

Email: richardh@fpc.wa.gov.au

Objectives To determine the effects of destocking or lightly stocking Australian rangelands on carbon stocks, biodiversity, fire risk and management.

Current Progress
(200 words maximum)
This project seeks to determine the effects of changing stocking rates on Australian rangelands on carbon stocks, biodiversity, fire risk and management. It will thus produce a solid basis for decisions by landholders, policy makers and investors.
Although markets for carbon sequestration are currently limited it is likely that they will develop in the future with the instigation of emissions trading. These markets could include carbon sequestration resulting from changes in grazing land management, if there is sufficient evidence that this will result in net carbon sequestration and that any changes are measurable and verifiable.
Progress in the project includes:
·1 A literature review which will be submitted for publication in late 2007. This suggests that although destocking will increase carbon sequestration, results are often confounded by climate and soil variability.
·2 Analysis of exclosures in Queensland, with results presented to the 2006 Rangelands Conference. There was a significant difference in soil carbon between grazed and ungrazed treatments, with this ascribed to less erosion in the ungrazed treatments.
·3 From fieldwork, remotely sensed imagery and the literature survey it has been concluded that fence-line differences provide a good indication of grazing effects on carbon sequestration.
·4 Work on adapting the RangeASSESS model to better predict rates of carbon sequestration.
A 2007 paper published in Ecological Engineering (Harper et al. 29, 329-341) suggests that between 290 and 1170 Mt CO₂-e could be sequestered on 95 Mha of WA rangeland following de-stocking.

RIRDC Research in Progress

Project Title Sustainable use of wildlife and tourism on pastoral properties in Northern Australia – Bullo River Station

RIRDC Project No.: PWS-1A

Start Date: 01-Nov-2005

Finish Date: 01-Mar-2009

Researcher: Tony Bowland

Organisation: Parks and Wildlife Service of the NT

Phone: 08 8995 5058

Fax: 08 8944 8455

Email: Tony.bowland@nt.gov.au

Objectives To assess the economic and ecological costs and benefits of tourism and the sustainable use of wildlife as alternatives to cattle production.
To use the Bullo River trial as a case study to develop a conceptual framework for the development and implementation of property management plans that incorporate the use of tourism and sustainable use of wildlife as alternative or additional sources of income for pastoral properties in Northern Australia.

Current Progress
(200 words maximum)
This project aims to evaluate a landholder initiated trial of tourism and sustainable use of wildlife as alternatives to cattle production on Bullo River Station.
The trial involves the erection of a fence by the landholders to exclude cattle and the intensification of alternate land uses.
An economic simulation model has been identified and is being adapted for the project. Economic information about the cattle farming enterprise is being gathered from the industry partner. Economic options and business potential of tourism and wildlife utilisation are being explored and developed by the resource economist and relevant experts.
Erection of the fence-line for the cattle-free area is almost complete. Dry season monitoring of wildlife to resume in July/August 2007.

RIRDC Research in Progress

Project Title Tammar wallaby harvesting as a sustainable wildlife enterprise

RIRDC Project No.: UA-69A

Start Date: 01-Jul-2005

Finish Date: 30-Nov-2008

Researcher: Dr Philip Stott

Organisation: The University of Adelaide

Phone: (08) 8303 7838

Fax: (08) 8303 7972

Email: philip.stott@adelaide.edu.au

Objectives To develop a geographic information system database identifying the types and extent of suitable wallaby habitats.
To calculate the numbers of wallabies that can be sustainably harvested from each habitat type.
To determine the yield of product from each wallaby carcass.
To develop techniques for monitoring wallaby numbers.

Current Progress
(200 words maximum)
The aim of the project is to complete the investigations commenced by Wright and Stott (1999) seeking to establish the biological basis for tammar wallaby harvesting on Kangaroo Island, South Australia. The objectives are related to those in the Strategic Plan for the Sustainable Wildlife Enterprises trials. "Completion" is taken to mean providing the biological information required under the South Australian National Parks and Wildlife Act before approval for an industry based on the utilisation of a native animal species can be given by the Minister for the Environment. However, a parallel investigation of the commercial aspects of the proposed industry would also be required before the outcome could eventuate.
The SWE strategy objective: Develop techniques for monitoring wallaby numbers, has been met. A practical spotlight-based technique has been developed and benchmarked against a more reliable but less practical mark-recapture technique.
Much of the project which is a PhD investigation by student Michael Clark has been in suspension because drought conditions have affected the wallaby population. However, the drought has also provided the opportunity to examine the responses of the population to a severe drought.
Dung samples have been collected to enable a comparison between the diets of the wallabies and also kangaroos, goats, and sheep in times of plenty and time of drought. And it is proposed that the population counts be repeated to ascertain the impact of a severe drought on the population, information that would be valuable to managers setting quotas in years of below-average rainfall.

RIRDC Research in Progress

Project Title Barrier Ranges Sustainable Wildlife Enterprise Trial

RIRDC Project No.: UNS-20A

Start Date: 1 Jul 2006

Finish Date: 30 Apr 2009

Researcher: Peter Ampt

Organisation: Future of Australia’s Threatened Ecosystems (FATE) Program, UNSW

Phone: 02 9385 5677

Fax: 02 9385 5710

Email: p.ampt@unsw.edu.au

Objectives To develop a collaborative kangaroo enterprise that provides returns to landholders.
To develop a collaborative approach to kangaroo management across the Barrier Ranges area.
To integrate kangaroo management with other enterprises on the participating properties to achieve improved management of total grazing pressure.
To establish and undertake community monitoring of landscape function and kangaroo populations to inform adaptive management
To document the process and develop a model for similar initiatives in other locations.

Current Progress
(200 words maximum)
The major objective of the project is to investigate whether a Sustainable Wildlife Enterprise (SWE) based on kangaroo harvesting can provide incentives to manage rangelands for biodiversity conservation and landscape rehabilitation.
In order to achieve this objective, the project has been developing an adaptive management trial for approval under the NSW Kangaroo Management Program, enabling more flexible management of kangaroo harvesting across property boundaries and facilitation of kangaroo harvesting as a viable collaborative enterprise option for landholders. Progress to date includes:
A draft adaptive management trial plan outlining provisions for group quota-setting and licensing being submitted to NSW DECC (Feb 2007). This followed extensive consultation and DECC’s assessment is expected by 8 June 2007.
Commercial discussions have been undertaken with two kangaroo processors interested in receiving supply of kangaroos harvested from the area under an approved trial. Arranging in-depth negotiations between processors and landholders is the next step.
Assessment of ways in which a collaborative approach to kangaroo management with greater quota-management control devolved to landholders can deliver a more consistent and efficient supply of kangaroos for processors.
Development of a monitoring regime based on Landscape Function Analysis which will enable landholders to factor kangaroo management in with stock management and other aspects of total grazing pressure in an adaptive approach to managing land. Training of landholders was conducted in November 2006 and is due to occur again in July 2007.

RIRDC Research in Progress

roject Title Models for sharing benefits from wildlife harvesting among collaborating landholders

RIRDC Project No.: UNS-21A

Start Date: 12-Mar-2007

Finish Date: 12-Nov-2007

Researcher: Dr Rosie Cooney

Organisation: University of New South Wales

Phone: 02 9385 5731

Fax: 02 9385 5710

Email: rosie.cooney@unsw.edu.au

Objectives To develop a feasible model (or models) for devolution of property rights in wildlife to landholders, for presentation to regulatory agencies, with a view to attracting their support for implementation on a trial basis in the Sustainable Wildlife Enterprise trials.
To develop feasible models for equitable sharing and distribution of benefits among landholders involved in collaborative resource management arrangements.
To provide a basis for negotiation and discussion with landholders in three ongoing Sustainable Wildlife Enterprise trials.

Current Progress
(200 words maximum)
Achieving these objectives will contribute directly to enabling the commercial viability of SWEs to be realised, facilitating the contribution of commercial wildlife utilisation to environmental and socio-economic benefits, and enhancing the potential for integration of conventional and wildlife-based enterprises.
Since this project began, negotiations between landholders, shooters and processors in the three SWE trial sites have made considerable progress. While fostering new cooperative arrangements typically have a long, difficult, and protracted initiation phase, this initiative is clearly entering its productive phase.
Extensive analysis has been undertaken of cross-property collaboration on management of wild natural resources (wildlife and forestry) in Australia and overseas; their internal rules and arrangements for cost-sharing, management and benefit allocation; and organisational forms (e.g. company, coop, trust, unincorporated association) and their suitability for these landholders’ enterprises. The "New Generation Coops" that have emerged in the US in recent years are a particular focus. Lessons and insights for this initiative have been drawn. Early results and recommendations will be presented to landholders and then jointly presented to processors in meetings scheduled for late August.
The next phase of the project will focus on extending this analysis to examine potential models for reform of regulation and policy in a way that could support and foster collaborative landholder engagement in wildlife management.

Site map Contact us Feedback Links Disclaimer Privacy Statement

Last updated: November 2007 Copyright © RIRDC 2007
http://www.rirdc.gov.au/comp07/rws1.html

Project Title:	Policy design for conservation through sustainable use: Barriers and stimuli
RIRDC Project No.:	ROS-1A
Researcher:	Dr Rosie Cooney
Organisation:	Independent Consultant
Phone:	0404 979 838
Fax:	02 9385 5710
Email:	Rosie.Cooney@gmail.com
Objectives	To identify policy barriers and constraints to Conservation through commercial Sustainable Use of wildlife (CSU) in Australia,
Background	Conventional approaches to conservation and land management in Australia have a number of shortcomings. While protected areas are necessary and important, they are widely viewed as insufficient in current extent to adequately conserve biodiversity; they face funding challenges for adequate management, particularly against weeds, feral animals, and fire; and their scope for further expansion is strictly limited. On private land, regulation and enforcement to achieve conservation outcomes is expensive and difficult to enforce; and imposes costs which make compliance incomplete, arouses political opposition, and renders compensation expensive. Incentive-based approaches based on public payment for conservation offer much potential, but require large and ongoing payments from a limited resource base. This raises the relevance of commercial sustainable use of wild resources – plants, animals, and landscapes – as an incentive-based approach to secure conservation and economic outcomes. In Australia, conservation through sustainable use remains largely unfamiliar in conception and limited in implementation.
Research	This project was carried out through desk-based review and analysis of relevant literature, legislation and policy, supplemented by open-ended interviews with a wide range of stakeholders and experts, including established enterprises and the trial SWE. It focused on use of wild animals, and particularly on three activities: harvesting wild species; recreational hunting; and commercial wildlife sanctuaries based on reintroductions and tourism. It developed recommendations for policy that actively supports and stimulates CSU, focussing in particular on the Sustainable Wildlife Enterprise trials.
Outcomes	This research provides an analysis of current policy and regulatory constraints and barriers to successful conservation through commercial use of wildlife in Australia. The report: ·1 made a number of key findings regarding policy constraints on conservation through sustainable use, ·2 suggests avenues for exploration should conservation through sustainable use be seen as promising, and ·3 makes a number of recommendations for decision-makers.
Implications	Conservation through sustainable use has received increasing international attention, is supported by an increasing array of successful examples of its use, and has been endorsed within key international conservation flora, including the Convention on Biological Diversity, the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora, and IUCN – The World Conservation Union. Use of wild resources may also provide the opportunity for diversified and more resilient land uses and income streams, and improve the sustainability of management of the resource base.
Publications	Forthcoming RIRDC report: Cooney R (forthcoming) Too many sticks, not enough carrots? Regulatory constraints to conservation through commercial sustainable use of wildlife in Australia. RIRDC, Canberra.

Project Title:	Sustainable Wildlife Enterprises trial - Maranoa Wildlife Management Conservancy
RIRDC Project No.:	MDL-1A and MDL-2A
Researcher:	Stacey Henry
Organisation:	Mitchell and District Landcare Association
Start Date:	1 Mar 07
Finish Date:	28 Feb 08
Phone:	07 4623 1072
Fax:	07 4623 1072
Email:	mitchell_lcare1@bigpond.com
Objectives	To test if the integration of conventional agriculture production, tourism and sustainable commercial use of wildlife can lead to improved conservation outcomes
Current Progress (200 words maximum)	The Maranoa Wildlife Management Conservancy at Mitchell, Queensland, is predominately cattle country, but also supports grain production, small scale sheep and goat production and forestry. The conservancy started with a core of 22 members from two Landcare groups covering 300,000 hectares. Involvement in SWE is seen as an opportunity to develop commercial enterprises and diversify farm incomes whilst addressing land management concerns including 1 total grazing pressure 2 soil fertility and productive capacity 3 water resource management 4 native vegetation management, and 5 pest management
	Feasibility studies indicated potential opportunities for greater landholder involvement in the kangaroo industry and native forestry including cypress and native lime production.
	Since its establishment in 2005, the group completed detailed land use and vegetation mapping, as part of regional sub-catchment planning. The data collected was integrated into a Geographic Information System (GIS) system incorporating information on land use, and will provide the foundation for monitoring programs to assess the success of trial enterprises in achieving commercial and land management objectives. Wildlife Management Conservancy principal investigator Tom Garret and Landcare Coordinator Stacey Henry have supported negotiations with landholders and kangaroo harvesters to identify their needs: ·1 Mitchell & District Landcare (MDLA) meeting to discuss the proposed project with Landcare members. Kangaroo Harvesters invited. ·2 Information sheet compiled (specialist). ·3 Letter sent out to 225 landholders provide clarity on what the project is about and an invitation to participate and indicate current harvesters operating on their properties. ·4 Responses from these letters will be promptly followed up by the PI and the LC to confirm interest and gain insight into landholder expectations of the project. ·5 Follow up phone calls to harvesters operating on interested landholders properties. ·6 Proposed meeting with the harvesters to give an overview of what is involved with the project and what they will be required to commit. Different models of chiller ownership are being reviewed with a view to the development of a cooperative arrangement for the WMC structure.

Project Title	Marketing Produce from Wildlife Management Conservancies
RIRDC Project No.:	AGT-13A
Start Date:	23-Apr-2007
Finish Date:	16-Nov-2007
Researcher:	Peter Chudleigh
Organisation:	Agtrans Research
Phone:	(07) 3870 9564/ or 07 3870 4047
Fax:	(07) 3371 3381
Email:	peter@agtrans.com.au
Objectives	To support the SWE trials by identifying market opportunities, consumer and purchaser requirements for products from the Wildlife Management Conservancy.
Current Progress (200 words maximum)	The project team is made up of agricultural economists, a market research and marketing specialist, and a person with experience of the development of the conservancy and its history. The project commenced in May 2007 with a team meeting to identify roles and the approach to be taken. Initial activity has focused on defining the factors on conservancy properties and along the marketing chain that potentially can be used to increase the demand for kangaroo meat delivered form the conservancy. This will guide appropriate market research with consumers and other participants in the marketing chain. The information from the market is expected to lead to strategies for market development and in particular, potential badging of products with some form of accreditation and chain of custody associated with environmental and wildlife management systems. This will in turn assist the rural sector with diversification, especially in rangeland areas where new production options are minimal. It could provide RIRDC with a win-win strategy of increasing profits for rural landholders but at the same time increasing environmental sustainability and strengthening the social fabric of rural areas.

Project Title	Optimising economic returns from mixed livestock and wildlife systems
RIRDC Project No.:	RMI-19A
Start Date:	13 Nov 2006
Finish Date:	12 Nov 2009
Researcher:	Professor John Hearne
Organisation:	RMIT
Phone:	03-99252283
Fax:	03-99252454
Email:	John.Hearne@rmit.edu.au
Objectives	To determine the economic benefits of integrating conventional livestock with the sustainable commercial use of wildlife. To develop a method for determining the partitioning of grazing resources amongst conventional livestock and wildlife in an economically optimal way. To identify and fill knowledge gaps where appropriate.
Current Progress (200 words maximum)	A visit to the study area was made followed by a meeting with stakeholders in the Mitchell District. It was noted by stakeholders that they would need to distinguish between farms on either side of the dingo fence to provide valuable predictions of the benefits of multi-species enterprises for grazing enterprises. After consultation with Natural Resources and Water Queensland, through Peter Timmers, the project has been given permission to use GRASP. The most recent version of the model is estimating biomass growth and livestock grazing, and the goal is to develop a module to include kangaroo grazing. Since receiving the new version of GRASP, work has been completed to calibrate GRASP to the Maranoa region, specifically Mitchell. One of the reasons for selecting Mitchell within this region is the availability of climate data, as opposed to interpolated data for other areas in the region. A previous version of GRASP had been calibrated to this area for sheep grazing, with acceptable results but with a few reservations. The newer version of GRASP has addressed some of these reservations, and produced similar results when considering biomass, rainfall and cattle grazing. Once more information is available with regards to the specific study sites chosen, modifications will be made to ensure that the new GRASP model is calibrated to these specific situations. Vegetation biomass data from two sites, on either side of the dog-proof fence, will be collected in late June. These data will be used to further calibrate the model and provide initialisation values for simulations.

Project Title	Strategic management of total grazing pressure in semi-arid environments
RIRDC Project No.:	CCW-2A
Start Date:	07-Aug-2006
Finish Date:	01-May-2008
Researcher:	Peter McCafferty
Organisation:	Chemistry Centre (WA)
Phone:	(08) 9222 3017
Fax:	(08) 9325 7767
Email:	pmccafferty@ccwa.wa.gov.au
Objectives	To investigate the effectiveness of a recently developed kangaroo deterrent.
Current Progress (200 words maximum)	The chemical deterrent formulation (subject to an existing IP agreement) is based on naturally occurring compounds that are not deleterious to the health of the target or non-target species. The project is investigating grazing management strategies (e.g. 20 paddock rotation grazing system) in which the deterrent formulation is integrated in order to reduce the adverse impacts of kangaroo grazing pressure on the rangelands system. The successful outcome of this project will encourage more innovative approaches to the integration of new ideas and technology to producers in the pastoral regions. Remote digital cameras have been trialled at several locations and have been useful in collecting data on the movement and numbers of kangaroos and stock. This data will also be used to measure kangaroo numbers against scat counts; the more traditional (and validated) means of estimating kangaroo numbers. Additional cameras (with video capability) will be utilised to measure the reaction to the deterrents. The planned deterrent trial this season has been hampered by the availability of water on the selected properties impacting kangaroo numbers. The average rainfall for Meekatharra for the six months January to June was 27.2mm compared with the average for the same period this year of 12.3mm. Similarly the figures for Cue are 25.4mm and 8.2mm respectively. The trial has thus been rescheduled to occur around October when the kangaroo numbers are expected to be more amenable to the study goals. During the intervening period deterrent gels (rather than liquids) will be manufactured which may give the products additional durability in the rangelands. A recent field trip to several sites around the Meekatharra/Cue region has resulted in additional site information and data. Preliminary discussions have begun with a major international mineral producer who operates several key leases in the north west of WA. This may result in additional trial sites for this or subsequent projects. The project team has been strengthened by the recruitment of Valentina Mella, a post graduate from Curtin University. Valentina has direct experience with kangaroo deterrents in a Western Australian context and other animal deterrent experience from overseas.

Project Title	Destocking rangelands: effects on carbon sequestration, fire management and biodiversity
RIRDC Project No.:	CGA-1A
Start Date:	20-Sep-2004
Finish Date:	30-Nov-2008
Researcher:	Dr Richard Harper
Organisation:	Forest Products Commission
Phone:	08 9475 8824
Fax:	08 9475 8877
Email:	richardh@fpc.wa.gov.au
Objectives	To determine the effects of destocking or lightly stocking Australian rangelands on carbon stocks, biodiversity, fire risk and management.
Current Progress (200 words maximum)	This project seeks to determine the effects of changing stocking rates on Australian rangelands on carbon stocks, biodiversity, fire risk and management. It will thus produce a solid basis for decisions by landholders, policy makers and investors. Although markets for carbon sequestration are currently limited it is likely that they will develop in the future with the instigation of emissions trading. These markets could include carbon sequestration resulting from changes in grazing land management, if there is sufficient evidence that this will result in net carbon sequestration and that any changes are measurable and verifiable. Progress in the project includes: ·1 A literature review which will be submitted for publication in late 2007. This suggests that although destocking will increase carbon sequestration, results are often confounded by climate and soil variability. ·2 Analysis of exclosures in Queensland, with results presented to the 2006 Rangelands Conference. There was a significant difference in soil carbon between grazed and ungrazed treatments, with this ascribed to less erosion in the ungrazed treatments. ·3 From fieldwork, remotely sensed imagery and the literature survey it has been concluded that fence-line differences provide a good indication of grazing effects on carbon sequestration. ·4 Work on adapting the RangeASSESS model to better predict rates of carbon sequestration. A 2007 paper published in Ecological Engineering (Harper et al. 29, 329-341) suggests that between 290 and 1170 Mt CO₂-e could be sequestered on 95 Mha of WA rangeland following de-stocking.

Project Title	Sustainable use of wildlife and tourism on pastoral properties in Northern Australia – Bullo River Station
RIRDC Project No.:	PWS-1A
Start Date:	01-Nov-2005
Finish Date:	01-Mar-2009
Researcher:	Tony Bowland
Organisation:	Parks and Wildlife Service of the NT
Phone:	08 8995 5058
Fax:	08 8944 8455
Email:	Tony.bowland@nt.gov.au
Objectives	To assess the economic and ecological costs and benefits of tourism and the sustainable use of wildlife as alternatives to cattle production. To use the Bullo River trial as a case study to develop a conceptual framework for the development and implementation of property management plans that incorporate the use of tourism and sustainable use of wildlife as alternative or additional sources of income for pastoral properties in Northern Australia.
Current Progress (200 words maximum)	This project aims to evaluate a landholder initiated trial of tourism and sustainable use of wildlife as alternatives to cattle production on Bullo River Station. The trial involves the erection of a fence by the landholders to exclude cattle and the intensification of alternate land uses. An economic simulation model has been identified and is being adapted for the project. Economic information about the cattle farming enterprise is being gathered from the industry partner. Economic options and business potential of tourism and wildlife utilisation are being explored and developed by the resource economist and relevant experts. Erection of the fence-line for the cattle-free area is almost complete. Dry season monitoring of wildlife to resume in July/August 2007.

Project Title	Tammar wallaby harvesting as a sustainable wildlife enterprise
RIRDC Project No.:	UA-69A
Start Date:	01-Jul-2005
Finish Date:	30-Nov-2008
Researcher:	Dr Philip Stott
Organisation:	The University of Adelaide
Phone:	(08) 8303 7838
Fax:	(08) 8303 7972
Email:	philip.stott@adelaide.edu.au
Objectives	To develop a geographic information system database identifying the types and extent of suitable wallaby habitats. To calculate the numbers of wallabies that can be sustainably harvested from each habitat type. To determine the yield of product from each wallaby carcass. To develop techniques for monitoring wallaby numbers.
Current Progress (200 words maximum)	The aim of the project is to complete the investigations commenced by Wright and Stott (1999) seeking to establish the biological basis for tammar wallaby harvesting on Kangaroo Island, South Australia. The objectives are related to those in the Strategic Plan for the Sustainable Wildlife Enterprises trials. "Completion" is taken to mean providing the biological information required under the South Australian National Parks and Wildlife Act before approval for an industry based on the utilisation of a native animal species can be given by the Minister for the Environment. However, a parallel investigation of the commercial aspects of the proposed industry would also be required before the outcome could eventuate. The SWE strategy objective: Develop techniques for monitoring wallaby numbers, has been met. A practical spotlight-based technique has been developed and benchmarked against a more reliable but less practical mark-recapture technique. Much of the project which is a PhD investigation by student Michael Clark has been in suspension because drought conditions have affected the wallaby population. However, the drought has also provided the opportunity to examine the responses of the population to a severe drought. Dung samples have been collected to enable a comparison between the diets of the wallabies and also kangaroos, goats, and sheep in times of plenty and time of drought. And it is proposed that the population counts be repeated to ascertain the impact of a severe drought on the population, information that would be valuable to managers setting quotas in years of below-average rainfall.

Project Title	Barrier Ranges Sustainable Wildlife Enterprise Trial
RIRDC Project No.:	UNS-20A
Start Date:	1 Jul 2006
Finish Date:	30 Apr 2009
Researcher:	Peter Ampt
Organisation:	Future of Australia’s Threatened Ecosystems (FATE) Program, UNSW
Phone:	02 9385 5677
Fax:	02 9385 5710
Email:	p.ampt@unsw.edu.au
Objectives	To develop a collaborative kangaroo enterprise that provides returns to landholders. To develop a collaborative approach to kangaroo management across the Barrier Ranges area. To integrate kangaroo management with other enterprises on the participating properties to achieve improved management of total grazing pressure. To establish and undertake community monitoring of landscape function and kangaroo populations to inform adaptive management To document the process and develop a model for similar initiatives in other locations.
Current Progress (200 words maximum)	The major objective of the project is to investigate whether a Sustainable Wildlife Enterprise (SWE) based on kangaroo harvesting can provide incentives to manage rangelands for biodiversity conservation and landscape rehabilitation. In order to achieve this objective, the project has been developing an adaptive management trial for approval under the NSW Kangaroo Management Program, enabling more flexible management of kangaroo harvesting across property boundaries and facilitation of kangaroo harvesting as a viable collaborative enterprise option for landholders. Progress to date includes: A draft adaptive management trial plan outlining provisions for group quota-setting and licensing being submitted to NSW DECC (Feb 2007). This followed extensive consultation and DECC’s assessment is expected by 8 June 2007. Commercial discussions have been undertaken with two kangaroo processors interested in receiving supply of kangaroos harvested from the area under an approved trial. Arranging in-depth negotiations between processors and landholders is the next step. Assessment of ways in which a collaborative approach to kangaroo management with greater quota-management control devolved to landholders can deliver a more consistent and efficient supply of kangaroos for processors. Development of a monitoring regime based on Landscape Function Analysis which will enable landholders to factor kangaroo management in with stock management and other aspects of total grazing pressure in an adaptive approach to managing land. Training of landholders was conducted in November 2006 and is due to occur again in July 2007.

roject Title	Models for sharing benefits from wildlife harvesting among collaborating landholders
RIRDC Project No.:	UNS-21A
Start Date:	12-Mar-2007
Finish Date:	12-Nov-2007
Researcher:	Dr Rosie Cooney
Organisation:	University of New South Wales
Phone:	02 9385 5731
Fax:	02 9385 5710
Email:	rosie.cooney@unsw.edu.au
Objectives	To develop a feasible model (or models) for devolution of property rights in wildlife to landholders, for presentation to regulatory agencies, with a view to attracting their support for implementation on a trial basis in the Sustainable Wildlife Enterprise trials. To develop feasible models for equitable sharing and distribution of benefits among landholders involved in collaborative resource management arrangements. To provide a basis for negotiation and discussion with landholders in three ongoing Sustainable Wildlife Enterprise trials.
Current Progress (200 words maximum)	Achieving these objectives will contribute directly to enabling the commercial viability of SWEs to be realised, facilitating the contribution of commercial wildlife utilisation to environmental and socio-economic benefits, and enhancing the potential for integration of conventional and wildlife-based enterprises. Since this project began, negotiations between landholders, shooters and processors in the three SWE trial sites have made considerable progress. While fostering new cooperative arrangements typically have a long, difficult, and protracted initiation phase, this initiative is clearly entering its productive phase. Extensive analysis has been undertaken of cross-property collaboration on management of wild natural resources (wildlife and forestry) in Australia and overseas; their internal rules and arrangements for cost-sharing, management and benefit allocation; and organisational forms (e.g. company, coop, trust, unincorporated association) and their suitability for these landholders’ enterprises. The "New Generation Coops" that have emerged in the US in recent years are a particular focus. Lessons and insights for this initiative have been drawn. Early results and recommendations will be presented to landholders and then jointly presented to processors in meetings scheduled for late August. The next phase of the project will focus on extending this analysis to examine potential models for reform of regulation and policy in a way that could support and foster collaborative landholder engagement in wildlife management.