The population dynamics of converting properties from cattle to kangaroo production

With calls to replace some of Australia¿s domestic livestock production with native alternatives, we investigate a multi-species grazing scenario. As part of a portfolio optimisation analysis of the stocking options, a model is needed to determine the populations of the different species over time. A system of differential equations is used to simulate the interactions between cattle and kangaroos in Australian rangelands. They are used to explore the possibility of converting a property from one focussing on domestic stock, in this case cattle, to a native roving stock, kangaroos. Of particular interest is the income from commodities produced and the effects of the macropods breeding rate and migration on financial returns.