THE government will not expand its annual winter Bennetts wallaby cull into other parts of the state, the Department of Primary Industries, Parks, Water and Environment has confirmed.
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Maria Island is currently closed this week as government officers shoot 500 Bennetts wallabies in an effort to keep the pests under control.
The native animals have garnered a bad reputation in recent decades for their tendency to breed rapidly and spread parasites.
Tasmanian farmers are fed up and have called for relaxed shooting laws in years gone by.
The government this week said there are no plans to expand the annual island cull onto mainland Tasmania, however.
"Maria Island is a unique situation as it is a national park that has been significantly altered by the past introduction of wildlife species," a spokesman said.
"In other parts of the state the department recognises that wallaby numbers can become concentrated around rural crops and pastures. To help manage these impacts departmental staff provide advice to farmers on options for managing impacts of wildlife grazing, with various options including the use of wallaby proof fencing and shooting."
The spokesman said the government would continue to deal with the Maria Island Bennetts wallaby population in a calculated manner.
"The population therefore requires ongoing management to protect the values of the national park and to limit animal welfare issues. The decision to reduce the population is based on a scientific monitoring program of three key indicators that assess the health of the animals, the condition of the island's vegetation, and seasonal conditions."
