Sustainable wildlife enterprise

A sustainable wildlife enterprise (SWE) is a farming system that integrates the sustainable use of wildlife to promote conservation. In Australia, landholders collaborate across boundaries to harvest or utilize naturally occurring wildlife populations, such as kangaroos, sustainably for ecotourism or other commercial purposes. This approach aims to provide alternative income sources and promote biodiversity and environmental sustainability. The SWE system enables farmers to derive financial value from native wildlife while managing their land in a way that supports habitat conservation without reducing overall farm profitability. Developed in Australia, the system draws on experiences from countries like South Africa and Scotland, where sustainable wildlife management has proven effective in securing the future of wildlife and habitats. In Australia, native species such as kangaroos are well-adapted to the environment and have minimal environmental impact compared to hoofed animals. Kangaroos produce significantly less methane than ruminant livestock, making them a more sustainable protein source. The existing kangaroo harvesting industry in Australia operates sustainably, with landholders benefiting from reduced grazing pressure and profits from kangaroo products. A pilot SWE project in Queensland's Maranoa region demonstrates how cooperatives can manage kangaroo populations effectively. The cooperative ensures high-quality products through traceback systems and humane treatment of animals. Landholders benefit from improved grazing management and income, while processors gain access to high-quality meat. Additionally, the system offers environmental benefits by reducing carbon emissions and promoting biodiversity. The development of Australia's carbon market further enhances the viability of SWEs, as kangaroo production can generate carbon credits when it ...