Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Culling Koalas—A National Dilemma
Koalas are cute. They're fluffy, they're sleepy, and they're awesomely
cuddly. The problem is they eat an awful lot. In the early 1920s, 18 koalas
were introduced to Kangaroo Island. Over the years, without preda-
tors and disease, and with an abundant supply of eucalyptus trees,
they have prospered. By 1996, there were an estimated 4,000 koalas,
and their favorite trees were looking ragged. Some of the koalas were
already suffering; some people even claimed the animals were starving
to death.
The South Australian Government decided the only option was to
shoot Australia's ambassador to the world. The public outcry was enor-
mous; Japan even threatened to advise their citizens to boycott Down
Under. But what could be done? Some scientists maintained that the
koalas could not be relocated to the mainland because there were few
places left to put them. Conservationists blamed Kangaroo Island's
farmers for depleting the island of more than 50% of its vegetation.
The koala is endangered; the smaller northern variety is threatened
with extinction in New South Wales and the larger subspecies in Vic-
toria, which includes the Kangaroo Island koalas, are also under
threat. A compromise was reached; the koalas are to be trapped and
neutered, a few thousand per year, until their numbers stabilize. A few
conscientious farmers will plant more trees. Other farmers will, no
doubt, continue to see the koalas as pests.
and Penneshaw. Tours are conducted nightly in Kingscote by the NP & W SA
and cost A$7.50 (US$4.90) for adults and A$6 (US$3.90) for children. Times
of tours change seasonally, so call
NP & W SA
at
&
08/8553 2381
to confirm.
Kingscote Tours depart from the reception desk at the Ozone Seafront Hotel.
The Penneshaw Penguin Centre has the largest penguin colony on the Island.
Tours depart from the Interpretive Centre (adjacent to the beach and Lloyd
Collins Reserve) twice per evening. Call the NP & W SA for times, as they can
change. Tours cost A$6 (US$3.90) for adults, and A$4.50 (US$2.90) for kids,
though children under 12 go free.
For a fabulous, though pricey, day
boat fishing
for everything from King
George Whiting, trevally, and snapper to mullet and mackerel, contact
Kanga-
roo Island Fishing Charters
(
&
08/8553 1328;
www.kifishchart.com.au).
A day out costs from A$125 (US$82), including lunch; a half-day trip costs
A$90 (US$59) and you keep what you catch! American River Fishing Charters
(
&
0417/869 346
mobile) also runs trips.
Finally, Kangaroo Island is renowned for its fresh food, and across the island
you'll see signs beckoning to you to come and have a taste of cheese, honey,
wine, or the like. One place worth stopping off at is
Clifford's Honey Farm
(
&
08/8553 8295
), which is open daily from 9am to 5pm. The farm is the
home of the protected Ligurian honeybee, found nowhere else on earth but on
the island.
Island Pure Sheep Dairy
(
&
08/8553 9110
) is another worthwhile
stop. Tours and tastings are conducted at milking time (1-5pm). It's a great chance
to sample delicious sheep's milk, yogurts, and mouthwatering haloumi cheese.
