TED Case Studies
Kangaroo:Pest or Beloved Mascot
1. The Issue
The issue of this case revolves around configuring the right recommendation for curbing the
knagaroo population. For years, the kangaroo has been seen as a "pest", a hindrance to cattle
production. Millions of kangaroos were killed over the past two hundred years. Today, many see
the kangaroo not as a pest, but a native specie that should be protected.Thus, it is imminent that a proper population management system be devised before the systemic killing and harvesting leaves the kangaroo extinct.
2. Description
Physical Attributes
The kangaroo is one of about 62 species of
Australian marsupial mammals within the superfamily, Macropodoidae. It usually denotes the
larger specie of marsupials but some of the smallest as well. The average kangaroo weights about
65 kg. Females are usually 35 kg. The smallest kangaroo can be measured at around 9 inches,
while the largest can be more than 8 feet in length. The largest group within the superfamily is
Macropodinae, in which the kangaroo and the wallabies belong. Within the superfamily, the
kangaroo is usually defined as the six larger species, while the wallabies are known as the smaller
species. These six kangaroo species fall into four groups: the eastern and western grey kangaroos,
the red kangaroos, the antilopine and the wallaroo-euro kangaroo. Apart from being the largest
living marsupials, kangaroos possess three distinct features that sets them apart from all other
marsupials. Kangaroos are the only large mammal that can hop. Besides frogs, no other large
mammal has the ability to hop as a means of locomotion. They rely on their strong legs for
jumping and their tail for balancing and kicking, if needed. Kangaroos usually hop at around 25
km/hr; but,they can attain a speed of 65 km/hr and cover a distance of 12 meters in a single leap.
Kangaroos are grazers or Herbivores in which their main source of diet is grass. However,
depending on the natural circumstances, the kangaroo can "decide" to hold vegatation longer in
their gutt. For example, in case of a drought where grass is poor and in limited supply, the
kangaroo can retain the feed for a longer period of time. Kangaroos usually have one young
annually. At birth, the young kangaroo, called a "joey" is not fully developped. It must climb into
the mother's pouch and attach itself to one of four teats. The joey usually stays in the pouch for at
least eight months until it can be independent enough to veture out on its own.
Habitat
For the most part, kangaroos are native only to Australia, Tasmania and New Guinea, although
one specie of kangaroo was introduced to New Zealand. The habitat of the kangaroo can range
from tropical Queensland in the north, to the inland plains of eastern Australia and dry indland of
western and central Australia. For example, the eastern grey kangaro can be found down the
eastcoast of Australia, from Queensland to soutern Victoria and also in parts of Tasmania. Its
habitat is mostly open forest and woodlands which is reflected in its local name, the "forester".
The western grey kangaroo can be found throughout the lower half of the continent. Its range
spreads from New South Wales, which overlaps the ranges of the eastern grey kangaroo, to
western Australia. Being so close to the southern part of Autralia suggests that it should have
been named the southern grey Kangaroo.This is inaccurate assumption because the specie is
known to have been the first spotted in Western Australia, not Southern Australia. The red
kangaroo inhabitates mostly the inlands of Australia,where soil is dry and rainfall is less than
50mm a year. The wallaroo-euro kangaroo is found throughout mainland Australia, except
Tasmania and Victoria. It ususally lives in the moountains and the rocky hill country. The antilone
kangaroo is found in the tropical north of Australia spreading from western Australia all the way
to Cape York on the eastern side of Australia in Queensland. The kangaroo is quite abundant
throught the continent, but their numbers are somewhat unknown. Counting methods have not
been able to get an accurate number for each specie of kangaroo due to the difficulty of aerial
counting surveys. Estimates count red kangaroos ar around 10 million, the eastern grey kangaroo
at around 8 million and the western grey kangaroo at around 2.25 million. 
Relations with Aborigines
The first encounter between kangaroos and humans occured with the arrival of aborigines. No
one is sure of the exact date of the encounter, but scientits suggest that it must have been between
40,000 to 60,000 years ago. At that time, kangaroos and other animals were relatively larger in
size with a more diverse ecosystem than today. The phenomenon of the "Megafauna" created
larger animal species such as the kangaroo and a wide variety of vegetation. Research about the
larger species of kangaroos have been conducted but their extinction remains a mystery. Scientists
suggest the aboriginal diet which included the kangaroo eveutally lead to their demise.In addition,
the use of fire as a method of hunting to clear out the land greatly altered the landscape and the
habitat of kangaroos. For the aborigines, the kangaroo was a deeply embedded image in both art
and mytology. It held a special place in aboriginal society, a place of honour as well as a main
source of food. All parts of the kangaroo were eaten and dried for later consumption. Although
the kangaroo was he main staple of the aborgininal diet, they ate other animals and plants. More
than 100 vetebrates and invetebrates as well as a varitey of plants were eaten by aborigines. The
kangaroo brought the aborigines a rich and fullfilling way of life which was abruptly ended when
the Europeans arrived in the early 17th century.
Relations with Europeans
The early settlers were amazed by the kangaroo, its strength and the way it moved gracefully over
open plains. They were fascinated by the way it hopped and carried its young in a pouch. A spirit
of discovery and scientific interest during the late 1770's inititated by the famous explorer Captain
James Cook resulted in a wealth of information about the kangaroo. It was the first time
europeans were able to get a look at these unique animals. Once settlements were established, the
fascination with kangaroos was still there but now, it was seen more for what it can offer. The
kangaroo was seen as a way to get meat, clothing and a sport. Kangaroo meat was higly prized
by the aborigines and the early settlers, but not all europeans like the taste. In addition, a certain
stigma was beginning to be associated with the kangaroo. It was perceived as a sign of poverty
and a health hazard. The perception was that it carried worms and other diseases restricted it meat
from being sold and eaten for many years under the "Health Act" of New South Wales. In general,
the kangaroo carries many fewer diseases than beef and sheep. This negative perception has been
slowly chipped away due to new scientific research which shows that kangaroo meat is lean and a
good source of high quality protein According ot the American Heart Association, kangaroo meat
is lower in fat, rich in vitamins and minerals, including zinc and iron. Today, kangaroo meat is
popular once again, sold and served in upscale resturants throughout the country.
The Modern Debate
There is still a strong movement to get rid of the kangaroo. Farmers and ranchers view the
kangaroo as a nuissance an impediment to cattle production because it competes for feed and
water with the local livestock. The large cattle insdustry within Australia and the strong lobbying
power of the industry enables them to obtain licenses to kill kangaroos. The perception that the
kangaroo is a pest is not at all false. There has been studies where kangaroos have destroyed
fences and eaten on grass reserved for livestock. However, it does not justify the millions of
kangaroos killed each year by commercial harvesting and shooting.In addition, the increase
urbanization of cities such as Melbourne and Canberra have reduced the natural habitat of the
kangaroo resulting in an upsurge increase of kangaroos in and around the cities. With the new
found delight of kangaroo meat, the harvesting of kangaroos is becoming quite profitable. Its hide
is sold all over the world in the form of boots, belts and hats. Commercial killing reaches into the
millions each year. This creates a disparate view of the kangaroo and its significance in Australian
culture. Thus, a proper conservation initiative must be forged that would bring about a feasible
and efficient balance between humans and kangaroos in Australia.
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Keyword Clusters
(1): Trade Product = Kangaroo
(2): Bio-geography = Dry
(3): Measure = Regulatory Standard [REGSTD]
4. Draft Author: Chau Diem Pham
Note Date: April 16, 1998
5. Discourse and Status:DISagree and In PROGress
There is a consencus that the kangaroo should be protected. However, there is a disagreement of
how to go about it. Some have argued for a large sanctuary where kangaroos could roam and
feed as long as it was far away from grazing pastures. Others believe that a population control
initiative should be in place. These proposals are unrealistic for curbing the kangaroo population.
Due to the mobile habitat of the kangaroo, the establishment of a nation wide sancturary would be
detrimental to the environment and financially draining. In addition, the population control
measures such as shooting and harvesting would only affect a small portion of the
population.Instead of seeking a general solution to kangaro mangement, states and cities such as
Canberra have acted its own kangaroo management. The high density of kangaroos in ACT
(Australian Capital Territory) where Canberra is located, require population control measures
specifically tailored for the territory. Recomendations and reports about Kangaroo mangement
have been published by several organization pursuing an environmentally friendly way to protect
the kangaroo without incurring costs on the cattle insdustry. The attempt within all of Australia is
to find the right balance between kangaroos and humans.
6. Forum and Scope:AUSTRALIA and UNILATERAL
Australia has enacted the
Wildlife Proctection (Regulation of Exports and Imports) Act of 1982 which give
legislative basis for conservation-oriented controls on the export and imports of wildlife and
wildlife products. Under the Australian Constitution, it is the responsibility of individual states to
devise measures for the use and management of the land, which includes curbing the kangaroo
population.The Victorian Department of Conservation and Environment published a report
Addressing Conflict with Kangaroos in the A.C.T written by the Technical Advisory
Committee on Kangaroo Population Management in Victoria which examined the range of
options for
the control of the kangaroo population in national parks, recreational reserves and rural areas
managed by the Department.
7. Decision Breadth: 1 (Australia)
The entire continent of Australia is affected on how to best manage the kangaroo population.
Farmers, ranchers, conservation organizations, wildlife management agencies and state
governments are most involved in proposing recommendations and legislations for controlling that
kangaroo population. Urban dwellings are also affected because of the high density of people
which resides in close proximity to kangaroo ranges.
8. Legal Standing: LAW
The Wildlife Protection (Regulation of Exports and Imports)Act of 1982 regulates the exports
and imports of kangaroo products. As a signatory to the Convention on International Trade in
Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), Australia has the responsibility to regulate
the exports and imports of all native animals and plants including kangaroos.
9. Geographic Locations
a. Geographic Domain: ASIA
b. Geographic Site: Australia [AUSTRAL]
c. Geographic Impact: Australia
Because the Kangaroo is native only to Australia and Tasmania, the entire continent is affected by
the population debate. Each state has its own way of curbing and protecting the kangaroo and its
surrounding habitat.
10. Sub-National Factors: YES
11. Type of Habitat: DRY Steppes and Deserts [DRY]
12. Type of Measure: Regulatory Standard [REGSTD]
State legislators, ranchers, farmers, conservation agencies and state management agencies need to
devise recommendations and proposals for controling the kangaroo population. The
recommendations and proposals should be tailored for individual states and their problems
towards population control, but they should all have a uniformity to them. The overall essence of
the legislation should be to work out the right balance between kangaroos and humans
13. Direct v. Indirect Impacts:DIRect
The agricultural land utilisation in Australia amount to more than 61.3% of the total Australia
land area in 1997. The effects of kangaroos on the commercial output of the cattle industry has
lowered profits. The ABARE (Australian Bureau of Agricutural and Resource
Economics)Consultancy Report presents a 12% decrease in beef profits per farm for 1997.
14. Relation of Trade Measure to Environmental Impact
a. Directly Related to Product: YES Beef
b. Indirectly Related to Product: YES Kangaroo
c. Not Related to Product: NO
d. Related to Process: YES Health
15. Trade Product Identification: Kangaroo
16. Economic Data
Agricutural land utilization: 463.3 Million Hectares (60.3% of Australian Land Area,1996)
Industry Output (Aust$): 3,575.9 (1995-1996)
Employed in industry: 394,200 people in agriculture and services.
Production of Beef: 1,711,000 pounds (1995-1996)
Per capita consumption of beef: 33.0 pounds (1995-1996)
Statistics provided be the Australian Bureau of Statistics.
17. Impact of Trade Restriction: HIGH
Permits must be obtained by the Australian Nature Conservation Agency (ANCA) in order to
export knagaroos products such as skin, meat and leather products. The exportation of live
kangaroos for commercial or private use is strictly prohibited.
18. Industry Sector: FOOD
19. Exporters and Importers: AUSRALIA and AUSTRALIA
Kangaroo meat has not acquired the taste of overseas clients as it has in Australia. However, the
hide of the kangaroo has been quite profitable. From boots, hats and belts, hide from the
kangaroo is sold all over the world.
20. Environmental Problem Type: HEALTH
It has been assumed that the kangaro is unsafe to eat due to worms and other bacteria. Kangaroos
were associated with poverty and thus were unhealthy to eat. In recent years, studies have tried to
reverse the image by presenting kangaroo meat as a healthy alternative to beef.
21. Name, Type, and Diversity of Species
Name: Kanagaroo
Type: Marsupial/herbivorous
Diversity: More than 62 species
22. Resource Impact and Effect:HIGH and PROD
23. Urgency and Lifetime:HIGH
The management system of curbing kangaroos will have a small effect on the overall population in
the short term. However, the intensity of commercial killing, harvesting and the implementation of
fertility controls will eventually have long term effects on the kangaroo population. As a result, it
will forever change the landscape and image of Australia's mascot in the future.
24. Substitutes: CONSERV
The Australian Conservation Foundation, the Wildlife Protection Environment of Australia and
the Victorian Department of Conservation and Environment's "Report on Techniques for
Controlling Kangaroo Populations" written by the Technical Advisory Committe on Kangaroo
Population in Victoria have come up with recommendations on population control and regulations
on exporting kangaroo products.
25. Culture: YES
The kangaroo is the national mascot of Australia. It is a symbol of Australia's beauty in its people
and natural surroundings. Something must be done to protect the kangaroo before population
controls and commercial killing have an effect on the landscape and the habitat of both humans
and kangaroos.
26. Trans-Boundary Issues: NO
27. Rights: NO
28. Relevant Literature
Anderson, Ian. "Kangaroos reclaim the streets of Canberra."New Scientist, 8 July
1995:5.
Dawson, Terence J.Kangaroos: Biology of the largest Marsupials.Ithaca, New York:
Comstock Publishing Associates, 1995
Heazle, Micheal. "Slicing the Kangaroo."Far Eastern Economic Review, 6 June 1996:5.
Lee, Anthony K. and Andrew Cockburn. Evolutionary Ecology of the Marsupials. New
York: Cambridge University Press, 1985.
29. References
Anderson, Ian. "Kangaroos reclaim the streets of Canberra."New Scientist, 8 July
1995:5.
Dawson, Terence J.Kangaroos: Biology of the largest Marsupials.Ithaca, New York:
Comstock Publishing Associates, 1995
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