The NSW Government has released the 2025 wild horse population survey report for Kosciuszko National Park, confirming the need for continued management to meet the legally required population target of 3,000 horses in retention areas by mid-2027.
While there are early signs of groundcover and vegetation recovery in areas where horse numbers have been reduced, numbers remain high and the damage wild horses cause remains evident across many parts of the park.
Prepared and peer-reviewed by independent experts using internationally recognised best practice methods, the 2025 survey estimates that there are between 6,476 and 16,411 wild horses in the national park.
Counting large numbers of moving animals over a large area will always be difficult. That is why the government has always released a population range.
The results indicate an overall decrease in the horse population since 2022, when control methods were limited to trapping, rehoming and ground shooting. Since aerial shooting was introduced in late 2023, 6,686 wild horses have been removed from Kosciuszko National Park using various control methods, including 6,041 through aerial shooting.
The best estimates of population since 2022 show more work is needed to reach the target of 3,000 by mid-2027:
| Year | Lower estimate | Upper estimate |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 14,501 | 23,535 |
| 2023 | 12,797 | 21,760 |
| 2024 | 2,131 | 5,639 |
| 2025 | 6,476 | 16,411 |
The results will guide the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service response, conducted in accordance with the Wild Horse Heritage Management Plan.
The National Parks and Wildlife Service will undertake its next operation to control a range of feral animals in Kosciuszko National Park in June. This will involve aerial shooting.
Rehoming in retention areas will recommence immediately, and horses will continue to be made available to approved rehomers.
NPWS will engage an independent expert to design an initial reproductive control trial for wild horses in the park.
The Wild Horse Heritage Management Plan will remain in place until it is replaced by an updated Kosciuszko National Park Plan of Management.
Some temporary closures of the park will be required for safety during feral animal control operations. Visitors should check planned closures at Alerts for NSW national parks.
The 2025 survey report is available online at Tracking the wild horse population.
Minister for the Environment, Penny Sharpe said:
"Kosciuszko National Park remains one of NSW's most precious locations, and the latest survey shows there is more work to be done to protect its fragile alpine and sub-alpine environments.
"No one wants to have to kill horses. But there are still too many in Kosciuszko National Park.
"We will use the best available science and take a cautious, evidence-based approach to reach the required population target, in order to protect native vegetation, animals, waterways and cultural values."
