Scientists propose declaring brumbies a threat to environment, in move that could pave way for cull

Brumbies are synonymous with Australian folklore, linked to the legendary Man From Snowy River.

They not only roam the Snowy Mountains, but also the NSW north coast, Northern Tablelands, the Hunter Valley, Blue Mountains and far south coast.

Scientists believe there are at least 10,000 feral horses in the state.

“They now occupy over 3,000 km2 of the Australian Alps National Parks in New South Wales and Victoria and their range is expanding,” the NSW Scientific Committee said.

The committee, part of the Office of Environment and Heritage, has now moved to make a preliminary determination to list habitat loss from brumbies as a key threatening process.

“Feral horses have a range of flexible physiological, behavioural and morphological attributes that have enabled them to thrive under a wide range of ecological conditions,” it said.