NBGC
Kangaroo Management Plan
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s)
Updated 18 August 2016
(Q) What does the project aim to achieve?
(A) The aim of the Kangaroo Management Plan is to manage a sustainable population of
Eastern Grey Kangaroos on Nelson Bay Golf Course and at the same time reduce or
eliminate any negative impacts that may affect the golf course, players, the kangaroos
themselves or the broader community.
To achieve this aim, the University of Sydney, in conjunction with NBGC, embarked upon a
Kangaroo Research and Management Project which commenced with the first site visit on 23
July 2012.
(Q) How many kangaroos are there on the course?
(A) As at the beginning of August 2016, approximately 64 counts have been undertaken in
groups of four, every three months, spread throughout four years. Over the past four years
numbers of Eastern Grey kangaroos on NBGC have steadily declined from approximately
200-220 animals in July 2012 to the current population of around 120 animals. (not including
young in pouch). This reduction has been due a combination of factors: fertility control
implants, trauma deaths (e.g. road accidents, feral dog and fox attacks, bow and arrow
shooting), disease and other incidents.
Counts have been taken in both early mornings and late evenings and separated by as much
as three months. (A full description of the counting methodology is outlined in another
question below). For example, the six counts in late November 2012 were extremely
consistent, yielding results of 179,181,183,184,185 & 187 kangaroos. (As previously stated,
this does not include pouch young). The four counts undertaken in August 2016 averaged
112 animals with a standard deviation of +/-5. The population will continue to be
monitored throughout 2016. The highest number of animals sighted in a single count over the
last four years was 222 (see Annual Report dated August 2013).
These counts likely represent the minimum kangaroo population size on the golf course. As
previously stated, the high degree of consistency between the counts suggests that the
counting method is very precise. While there are almost certainly additional animals that are
not visible during counts (e.g. animals unsighted in trees or in the bush), given the number of
counts and their consistency, the good news is that the counting methodology is yielding
Prepared by: Phil Murray 18 August 2016
Page 1
repeatable results. Therefore, we do not believe that the population is significantly larger than
our counts indicate.
Above: The population at its peak in 2012 (27th fairway and Green)
(Q) Maximum count only 222? That can’t be right. After all, I’ve counted 85 on just one
fairway!
(A) And so have the researchers and volunteer counters. We have also counted a solitary one
kangaroo on nine holes. Kangaroos are mob i.e. social animals, and gather together for safety
and interaction, often gathering together in the early morning and late evenings to graze. It is
normal behaviour to find heavy concentrations in a few locations and then solitary animals or
small groups alone. As all golf course members are aware, the valley of the 27th, 10th and 18th
holes is a favourite location and readily seen from the car park. To the casual observer, this
tends to give the appearance of more animals being present on the overall course than there
actually are.
(Q) How can you accurately count kangaroos on a 27 hole golf course covering about 70
hectares in area?
(A) It is important to understand the counting methodology used in order to be satisfied about
the rigour and accuracy of the results obtained.
Counting is undertaken at first light in the mornings and in the late evenings, when golfers
and/or machinery are at a minimum or not on the course and animals are undisturbed, grazing
on fairways. The counting process usually involves 6 people i.e. 3 groups comprised of 1
observer and 1 golf cart driver. Sometimes a 4th cart, driver and observer have also been used.
Each driver/observer pair in a cart is allocated 9 holes – 1 to 9, 10 to 18 or 19 to 27.
Prepared by: Phil Murray 18 August 2016
Page 2
The 3 or 4 carts simultaneously set off, counting kangaroos and wallabies on fairways, rough
and greens of the designated holes. Both observers and drivers also make a note of animals
on adjoining holes so as to avoid double counting or omission of animals. The 4th pairing of
observer/driver count in the reverse direction on one set of 9 holes. This is a further check on
the methodology.
The count takes roughly 20 to 30 minutes. Observers and drivers then meet and discuss and
resolve any issues about animal movement from one fairway to another during the count and
to ensure animals located midway between holes were counted, but only once. The raw count
figure is then adjusted once these issues are resolved. This counting method does not count
pouch young.
As stated earlier, this process has been done 64 times over a period of four years. The results
are very consistent. At each count there are likely to be some animals hidden in the thick bush
that are not seen and therefore not counted.
The encouraging information to emerge from the counts is that a population of this magnitude
has proven to be manageable by the fertility control methods used.
(Q) What do the various coloured tags mean?
(A) The tags are used for visual identification. Each animal has a unique tag combination.
Some tags are also numbered and/or of different shape (button or rectangle). Microchips have
been implanted in tagged animals and any additional distinguishing features the animal may
have are also noted for identification purposes. The animals are always referred to by their
Left Ear/Right Ear colour tag combination and/or number.
Males are left ear Blue, Black, Green or Orange.
Females are left ear Pink, Purple, Red, White or Yellow
For example: When you are next out playing, keep an eye peeled for PURPLE/PINK061
nickname ‘Funky’ – a 27kg female with a white blaze across her nose.
Prepared by: Phil Murray 18 August 2016
Page 3
(Q) Large male kangaroos occasionally ‘growl’ at golfers. Are they dangerous?
The Eastern Grey kangaroos on NBGC are wild animals. The site is not fenced and the
animals are free to come and go as they wish. However, most of the kangaroos show a high
degree of site fidelity (i.e. they spend most of their time on the course) and therefore are
habituated/used to the presence of golfers. With wild animals weighing up to 80 kg, there is
always a potential danger and all animals should be treated with caution and all golfers
should proceed in a safe manner.
A ‘growling’ kangaroo, rather than being interpreted as an aggressive animal, is in effect
simply warning a golfer that the kangaroo is feeling threatened by the golfer’s close presence.
Often a sick or injured animal will growl as it cannot physically move or finds it painful to
move. Clearly, it is best to move away from the animal in this instance.
The use of a golf umbrella, opening and closing it quickly, is the best technique for moving
an animal safely. The animals are startled by the sound and movement. Throwing sticks,
banging clubs on the ground, etc at animals is often ineffective and can injure animals and
should be avoided.
Remember, kangaroos cannot walk backwards and so approaching an animal directly from
the front should be avoided. A frontal approach can leave the animal no escape route and also
can be interpreted by the animal as mimicking the confrontational behaviour of another male
kangaroo. If driving a golf cart, please proceed very slowly and with great caution so as to
not injure animals.
Approaching from the rear or side of the animal, opening and closing an umbrella held
between you and the animal is a better course of action. This tends to direct and steer the
animal away safely. There are many thousands of rounds of golf played at NBGC annually,
and in over the last ten years, my time at the club, I am not aware of any adverse
incidents/attacks involving kangaroos. However, always remember: treat all wild animals as
potentially dangerous and due care should always be exercised.
(Q) I saw a 4WD and trailer on the course. What was happening?
(A) The vehicle and trailer are used to transport sedated animals to a central processing area
safely located between the 11th, 16th and 17th holes. Smaller animals are sometimes
transported contained within a capture sack resting on a volunteers lap in a golf cart.
(Q) How are animals sedated?
(A) Mobs of Eastern Grey kangaroos are located on the course. Selected animals are then
sedated using a telescopic ‘syringe pole’ about a metre in length. A researcher simply jabs a
Prepared by: Phil Murray 18 August 2016
Page 4
needle into the rump of an animal as the researcher walks past the animal. A mixture of
sedative and tranquiliser is used to immobilise animals. This takes about five to ten minutes.
The animals are then safe for transportation. On some occasions, particularly when a specific
animal is required, a dart gun is used. This rifle fires a dart or needle into the rump of the
animal from approximately 10 to 20 metres.
(Q) Why are both males and females being tagged?
(A) As at August 2016, approximately 160 animals (about 60% female, 40% male) have been
sedated, tagged and processed. Some animals have been captured on several occasions to fit
and later retrieve GPS collars. Close to 300 captures have been undertaken on the course in
the last four years. The University research project is very extensive and is investigating
many aspects of the kangaroo population such as social structure, behaviour, territory range,
health of the population, parasites and the interaction of animals. Genetic and DNA studies
are also being undertaken. Tagging both males and females also provides valuable
information for evaluating the Kangaroo Management Plan. Knowledge of the extent of
animal movement is essential to ensure that the proposed management is likely to be
effective. All of the above requires that both males and females are readily identifiable, hence
the tagging of both sexes. The aim is to tag as many animals as possible, both males and
females.
Prepared by: Phil Murray 18 August 2016
Page 5
(Q) What exactly do you mean by ‘processing’ an animal? What happens exactly?
(A) A group of usually 3 researchers and 3 NBGC volunteers set out in 3 golf carts (have you
seen the red flags?) looking for animals to process. Once located, the head researcher, Dr.
Catherine Herbert, approaches or walks past selected animals and, when the opportunity
presents itself, injects sedative/tranquiliser into the rump of an animal. Two animals are
successively injected this way and a researcher is allocated to follow each particular animal
until it succumbs to the drug (about 10 minutes). A phone call is made, summoning the 4WD
and trailer. Animals are placed in bags, lifted into the trailer, accompanied by a researcher
and transported to the processing area, safely located between the 11th, 16th and 17th holes.
Both animals are then lifted and placed on a tarped, hay bale work bench for processing.
Researchers work from the tail to the head. A small area of the tail is shaved and a blood
sample extracted. (golfers that are keen observers may be able to spot the shave marks just
below where the tail joins the body!).Foot and leg measurements are made. For males, testes
size is measured as an age determinant. The pouches of females are inspected for young.
Depending on the size of any young, a blood sample is taken and a skin sample taken for
DNA analysis. Larger young are micro-chipped (similar to a pet dog or cat).
Researchers then focus on the head and neck area. Both males and females are micro-chipped
in the neck area, for electronic identification. During the fertility implant trials, females
received either: one contraceptive implant (4.7mg), 2 x contraceptive implants or are left as
control animals (i.e. no implant—placebo). All animals are then ear tagged and weighed. The
two heaviest males measured to date weighed just under 80 kg each.
Naturally, all this data is recorded for various research uses and the animals are inspected for
other distinguishing markings, fur colouration and the general health of the animal is also
assessed. e.g. body weight, teeth condition, any obvious cuts, injuries, abrasions, infections
(e.g. ‘lumpy’ jaw). Faecal/poo collection is also undertaken and often parasites e.g. ticks, etc
are collected and noted. Animals with wounds are often given an antibiotic to assist with
return to good health.
Animals are then transferred to larger wool bale bags and placed in a shady, quiet area for
recovery as the drugs wear off. Experienced volunteers and/or researchers monitor and
supervise recovering animals, ensuring that their critical head position is correct to prevent
suffocation, the animals are not over heated and the animals are generally safe and
undisturbed by golfers.
Like humans, different kangaroos react differently to sedation. Researchers assess when to
release an animal based on factors such as time since sedation, activity during processing and
behaviour in the wool bags i.e. active or sleepy, etc. Experience is vital in being able to assess
the appropriate time for release. From initial capture to hopping away to rejoin the mob
usually takes about 2½ hours. Researchers and volunteers work from 7am to 3-4pm and aim
Prepared by: Phil Murray 18 August 2016
Page 6
to process 6 to 8 animals per day. I can attest that kangaroo wrangling can be a big day –
monitoring, lifting and helping restrain large, strong animals.
(Q) Why are only the females to be given fertility control implants? When did this
start? Why not castrate the males?
(A) It is generally accepted that modulating female fertility is the most cost efficient and
practical means of managing wild kangaroo populations. Every female that is rendered
infertile results in a net reduction in reproductive output of the population. Conversely, if you
were to target males, you would be unlikely to see any net effect until you had castrated or
vasectomised a significant proportion of the population. Because female kangaroos generally
Prepared by: Phil Murray 18 August 2016
Page 7
mate with more than one male (and there are lots of ‘sneaky’ young males just waiting for an
opportunity), there is always a high probability that she will mate with a fertile male.
One of the key components of the research project is to assess the effectiveness of the fertility
control implants. Both the dosage and method of implanting will be tested. Castration of
males could also possibly ‘cloud’ the results of the fertility implant trials. Approval needed to
be obtained from the APVMA (Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority)
before fertility control implanting could begin. This approval was obtained. Sedating and
tagging is limited to the cooler months in order to avoid the animals suffering from heat stress
whilst being captured and processed. Autumn and winter are the best seasons to sedate and
tag.
Accordingly, in June and July 2013 the administering of contraception implants was
undertaken.
(Q) What should I do if I see an injured animal on the course or accidentally injure one
myself with my golf ball?
Please contact the Pro Shop.
But in the first instance, I would ask/plead with everyone to just take one minute of your time
and use the rapid opening and closing of your umbrella to move/flush any animals that are in
your way and may be struck by your golf ball. Understandably, the first thing all golfers who
accidentally strike a kangaroo and injure it say is: ‘I did not think I would hit it’. The
consequences are often fatal: watching a small joey die from a fractured skull is upsetting for
all present. All us golfers know: golf balls are erratic and unpredictable beasts.
Your one minute of care can save several people half a day of difficulty and potential danger.
Most people are unaware that the animal rescue of injured native wildlife is undertaken fully
by volunteers. National Parks do not assist and play no role at all.
This is what happens: The Pro Shop rings the local animal rescuer—NBGC member Alan
Mundey. Alan, either alone, or accompanied by Phil Murray leaves whatever they are doing
and attends at the course. The animal has to be found and this is often not easy. If say, the
animal injured is a large male with a broken leg, the Police must be called, removed from
their duties and attend NBGC in order to shoot the animal.
Smaller injured animals (often females or joeys), if possible, are captured, placed in bags and
then transported in private vehicles to a vet to be euphanised. An injured, panicked and
animal in pain is very dangerous. Capturing and transporting injured animals places
volunteers at risk of injury themselves.
A kangaroo with a broken leg cannot be healed, it must be euphanised. My experience is that
unfortunately the Glock pistols issued to our Police are totally inadequate to dispatch an
Prepared by: Phil Murray 18 August 2016
Page 8
injured kangaroo in a humane manner. It is a horrible business—a horrible sight—that can
best be avoided if one minute of care is taken. Thank you.
(Q) When will results become evident and the number of kangaroos reduce?
(A) NBGC celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2011. Over this period of fifty years the
kangaroo population increased without active management, measurement or control. No data
or information existed about the kangaroo population at all as recently as July 2012.
The initial visit to NBGC by the researchers occurred on 23 July 2012. In the last 4 years we
have witnessed a steady decline in the population of Eastern Grey kangaroos on NBGC. The
fertility control program, whilst not the sole cause of population decline, is none-the-less a
contributing and important component.
The project to date has been a resounding success and has assisted our club in a number of
ways. e.g. reduced numbers of animals, undertaken numerous veterinary interventions
(euthanised sick or injured animals) and provided expert, researched advice concerning
animal management. (e.g. advised about the ineffectiveness of the fencing option). From
literally knowing nothing as recently as four years ago, we now have one of the most studied
Eastern Grey kangaroo populations in Australia. It is a significant achievement.
(Q) How long will the project run?
(A) The initial Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between NBGC and the University of
Sydney covered a period of twelve months. At the end of that period both parties reassessed
the project and determined the best way to proceed was renewal of the MoU and project
continuation.
It is hoped that the relationship between the University and the Golf Club will be ongoing and
beneficial to both organisations well into the future. To manage and limit a sustainable
population of Eastern Grey kangaroos on the course will require active, on-going
involvement and planning into the future. Animal management is not a ‘once only’ exercise.
A well documented, studied and accessible population of kangaroos, such as we have
developed on NBGC, is a valuable resource for the University for research, student training
and the testing of animal management techniques. Part of the research project has been
supported by University and/or private industry grants. i.e. self funding. Kangaroo
Encounters Tours now earns more funds than are expended on research, and will fully repay
all monies spent over the entire duration of the project. This will be achieved by the end of
2016.
Prepared by: Phil Murray 18 August 2016
Page 9
(Q) What is the cost of the project?
(A) Nelson Bay Golf Club is very fortunate to be assisted by the University of Sydney in the
development and implementation of a Kangaroo Management Plan.
All the labour and expertise supplied by the University staff and students is free –as part of a
research project. Thousands of dollars worth of drugs have been provided free by the
company which produces the fertility control implants – as part of a field testing program.
Port Stephens Council donated $6,600 plus an additional $6,000 of ‘in kind’ support for the
project. Six thousand six hundred dollars of Council funds were received. Cote d’Azur
offered reduced rates to accommodate researchers and golf club members have offered free
accommodation as part of a ‘Homestay’ program. For example, Phil & Rhonda Murray have
Home Hosted researchers on 13 separate visits and provided 70 guest nights accommodation
over the last four years. Barbara Frost, Judy and Barry Schultz, Roz and Derek Welsh and
Pam and John Townsend have also provided free accommodation on several occasions. This
has further reduced costs to our club.
NBGC committed itself to a maximum of $12,000 in the first year, but this amount was not
spent and was offset by the amount of $6,600 Council generously donated to NBGC.
As of July 2015, the project over the last three years cost NBGC $13,000. (i.e. about $12 per
day, less than one round of golf per day). As at August 2016 we have received 42 visits by
researchers, 140 field days of work, tagged 160 animals, GPS data gathered on nearly 50
animals, implanted 59 females with contraceptive implants, established accurate data about
the numbers of animals on the course, received two detailed reports and established an
ongoing relationship with the University of Sydney. This is extremely good value for money
by any measure. (Consider that the University of Newcastle when initially approached quoted
$20,000 for a desktop study only, and that did not include any field intervention).
The introduction of Kangaroo Encounters Tours in November 2015 and the income
generated means that the project has effectively cost NBGC nothing. The project will be
more than self-funding into the future due to income as a result of Kangaroo Encounters
Tours.
(Q) Why do some of the kangaroos dig up sections of the fairway? What can we do stop
it happening?
(A) At this juncture, it is fair to say that the experts do not have a definitive answer.
Observations of behaviour on our course would suggest that some animals are actually eating
the soil itself (i.e. geophagy), in addition to eating both the grass and grass roots. This may
suggest a dietary deficiency within some animals in the population. A number of soil
samples, taken from a locations where animals have dug, plus ‘control’ samples taken from a
non-digging location, will be analysed by the University to see if the soil composition yields
any clues to the mystery. Blood analysis will also assist to identify any nutrient deficiencies.
Prepared by: Phil Murray 18 August 2016
Page 10
From observations made interstate, Phil Murray has suggested that geophagy amongst the
eastern greys is perhaps more medicinal, rather than nutritional. Perhaps kangaroos eat soil to
balance the acidity/alkalinity levels or other conditions in their stomach.
A study of the foraging behaviour of the Eastern Greys, including fairway digging,
commenced in December 2013. Hopefully, this research will yield more information to assist
the course and green staff. Answering this question will be a focus for the project going
forward into 2017.
Spare a thought for Joondalup Golf Course in Western Australia where kangaroos were
digging 60 to 70 holes a night - in the Greens! This necessitated the culling of thirteen
specific animals that were digging in the Greens. (See article
http://www.golfcourseindustry.com/gci-010411-shooting-kangaroos.aspx )
(Q) Where to now? What is the future of the project? Is there a completion date?
These are questions for the various stakeholders to consider and decide. Stakeholders include
the Board and members of NBGC, the University of Sydney, National Parks and Wildlife
Service and the community in general.
Dr. Catherine Herbert has indicated that she would like to have a continuing and ongoing
relationship with Nelson Bay Golf Club well into the future. NBGC Board has budgeted
$4,000 for the project for the 2015/2016 financial year. To give some perspective, this
represents the cost of less than one round of golf per day. The University of Sydney currently
funds certain aspects of the project. Port Stephens Council made a once off donation at the
start of the project in 2012. Recent submissions have proven unsuccessful in eliciting more
Council funds.
As stated above, given the income now generated by Kangaroo Encounters Tours, the project
is more than self funding.
Animal management is not a one off–set and forget–activity. Like the monitoring and
management of pests such as nematodes in the Greens or the application of various chemicals
to the course each and every year, the population of Eastern Greys is best managed if
monitored regularly. If left unchecked, it is difficult to say if the kangaroo population would
experience ‘bounce back’ and at what rate. There are a number of variables to consider. That
is why ongoing monitoring is of such importance, so if intervention is required, it can be
undertaken in a timely manner.
In a presentation to members held in July 2015, this is exactly what Dr. Catherine Herbert
suggested as the best course of action in the immediate future.
Over the next six months regular quarterly counts will be undertaken and the population
monitored. Whatever course of action or intervention, if any, is decided for late 2016 we can
Prepared by: Phil Murray 18 August 2016
Page 11
take confidence in the fact that any decisions taken can be with the benefit of solid science
and research obtained over the past four years.
The first annual report on the project written by Dr. Catherine Herbert in part reads:
‘Nelson Bay Golf Course and the University of Sydney have been involved in a
collaborative kangaroo research and management program since July 2012. The aim
of the program is to take a scientific approach to kangaroo management, by
generating a sound understanding of the biology of the population, whilst
simultaneously implementing a management program to address the Club’s needs.
The end result will be a world-class management program that will serve as a
blueprint for comparable urban wildlife management scenarios.’
It is a management plan and objective which entitles all NBGC members to be rightfully
proud.
Should you have any more questions or queries, please do not hesitate to contact NBGC
member and kangaroo volunteer Phil Murray ([email protected]) or phone 0438 615
136.
Check out Kangaroo Encounters Tours with ‘Kangaroo Phil’ on
TripAdvisor.https://www.tripadvisor.com.au/OwnerResponse-g529008-d9587154Kangaroo_Encounters_Guided_ToursNelson_Bay_Port_Stephens_Greater_Newcastle_New_South_Wales.html?review=40653457
3
I would like to thank all the volunteers, members, Pro shop staff, Green keeping staff and the
NBGC Board for their continuing support and encouragement. Thanks to all–it is very much
appreciated.
__________
Prepared by: Phil Murray 18 August 2016
Page 12