Research

What is being investigated?

THINKK is collating existing information and undertaking new research to understand the ecological relationships between kangaroos and the landscape. The implications of removing the top native herbivores from the rangelands is being explored in terms of the long-term viability of kangaroo populations, trophic cascade effects, ecological functioning and animal welfare implications. Non-lethal and long-term management options for kangaroos in fragmented landscapes are being considered for replacement of current culling regimes.

The think tank is assessing the legislative and regulatory frameworks that enable kangaroo harvesting and culling. Furthermore, THINKK uses its expertise in multi-stakeholder engagement and policy to provide insight into stakeholder values, motivations and needs. THINKK is developing policy recommendations, based on sound science, and empowering policy makers to consider alternative management practices.

Importantly, preferred scenarios of engagement with kangaroos and visioning for the future will be developed with key stakeholders. This will include the promotion of research that explores new avenues of economic and policy development, such as eco-tourism, landscape restoration and carbon crediting, for improving the functional capacity of Australian landscapes that have been degraded by cloven hoofed livestock grazing.

THINKK research findings are published in reports and peer review publications.