Kaimanawa Horse Numbers Recovering

Source: NZ Herald

20 May 2011

After being culled to a total herd size of 300 due to fear of overpopulation, Kaimanawa horses in the central North Island of New Zealand appear to be recovering, NZ Herald reports.

The Department of Conservation (DOC) thinned the herd - that had been maintained at 500 since 1997 - in an effort to control over-breeding. After this last breeding season, the numbers are back up to around 350, the DOC says.

Interest on behalf of the public has helped the situation, DOC says. Comments from those on "field trips" to the area have noted that both the animals and habitat appear to be in good condition.

"That is great to hear, as having both in good condition is the principal goal of our management," Dave Lumley, DOC Taupo-nui-a-tia area manager, said.

To read more about the Kaimanawa horses and the conservation efforts of the DOC, read the full article here.