Australia

Why Australians Are Being Urged To Eat Kangaroo Meat

A serious problem is brewing down under. The Australian kangaroo population has exploded in recent years with landholders and ecologists warning the current level is unsustainable. Back in 2011, the country had some 25 million kangaroos and today there are an estimated 44.85 million, nearly double the human population. The rise is being attributed to wet weather which has led to a plentiful supply of food.

Even though there are strict regulations regarding kangaroo hunting, Australians are now being urged to put another "roo" on the barbie. That's easier said than done, however. The kangaroo is Australia's national animal and as a result, some people are reluctant to feast on their country's emblem. Culls are also controversial due to suggestions they have little benefit for the environment. If Australians decide against dining on skippy's overabundant relatives, many of them are likely to die out anyway if a dry summer results in a drought.

Description

This chart shows the estimated population of kangaroos in Australia from 2010 to 2016.

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Per capita consumption of meat in Australia from 2014 to 2023, with a forecast for 2024, by type (in kilograms per capita)
Total amount of annually slaughtered cattle in Australia from 1990 to 2019 (in 1,000s)*
Number of livestock in Australia as of June 2020, by type (in millions)
Number of pigs slaughtered in Australia from 1990 to 2024 (in 1,000s)
Number of lambs slaughtered in Australia from 1990 to 2024 (in 1,000s)
Number of sheep slaughtered in Australia from 1990 to 2024 (in 1,000s)

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