Animals including kangaroos and corellas could be culled under powers a parliamentary inquiry wants for South Australia's Environment Minister.

Key points: Several species have been described as "overabundant"

Several species have been described as "overabundant" Current approaches to animal management were called "confusing and costly"

Current approaches to animal management were called "confusing and costly" The inquiry heard of heavy agricultural losses from uncontrolled animal numbers

The Natural Resources Committee (NRC) also recommended Minister David Speirs make an immediate decision about the overabundance of long-nosed fur seals and koalas, which it said were having a "deleterious impact" on the state's environment.

"We have a real biodiversity challenge on our hands … we need to manage the problems of overabundance when they occur," the committee's presiding member, Liberal MP Josh Teague said.

The NRC also recommended an "urgent response" policy be developed for critical situations involving overpopulated native and pest species.

"Each of those [species] will require a specific response guided by the evidence. We must actively educate the community and in turn have a management approach as opposed to a passive 'do nothing' approach," Mr Teague said.

"That may include culling, the report spells out that's one of the management approaches.

"It's a matter for the Minister."

Kangaroos are just one animal being considered under the planned powers. ( ABC Rural: Cara Jeffery )

Government accused of inaction

Mr Teague said there had been previous investigations into the issue of overabundant species.

He said that a variety of legislation at both state and federal levels were implemented by multiple agencies.

The NRC received 44 submissions and heard the evidence of 12 witnesses before making 13 recommendations, including developing better policies.

It heard that current approaches were confusing and costly — with agencies forking out a combined $15.7 million each year.

A koala cull was proposed in South Australia two years ago. ( Amanda Penrose, flickr.com )

A submission by the Sporting Shooters Association of South Australia accused the State Government of a delayed response to animal management and suggested it expedite bureaucratic processes.

It said the Government was concerned about backlash from the public and political ramifications in managing species like the western grey kangaroo.

As a result, the submission stated, there were mass deaths among some species due to starvation and thirst and the landscape was devastated by overgrazing.

Ecosystems at risk, farmers losing thousands

Associate Professor David Paton from the University of Adelaide told the committee that overpopulation posed an "imminent threat" in an already "dire situation for this state's biodiversity".

"[South Australia] may not have a lot of the other biodiversity in this state if you don't manage those kangaroos going forward," he told the inquiry.

During the committee's visit to the Coorong, Ngarrandjeri elders expressed psychological distress at the environment's destruction, especially because of introduced seals.

Elders said the system had suffered significant damage since European settlement and the proliferation of certain species.

One submission said geese had caused a six-figure loss on one property. ( ABC Rural: Isabella Pittaway )

Animals including carp, feral honeybees and even pest plants were all reported to have a significant impact on ecosystems.

Farmers and landholders also widely reported financial and agricultural impacts.

One landholder reported hosting up to 50 per cent of the world's Cape Barren goose population on his property each year, which contributed to an estimated annual loss of $100,000.

The Apple and Pear Growers' Association told the inquiry up to half of a season's total crop could be destroyed by grey-headed flying foxes, birds, deer and hares.

"When a grower is facing substantial loss of their livelihood, the pressures on their mental health are significant," the submission stated.

"They are constantly faced with the screeching noises of lorikeets from daylight to dusk, which are a persistent reminder of the pressures being placed on their crop."

Overabundant species were also found to be an issue in metropolitan areas, with animals like little corellas and ibises wreaking havoc with trees and powerlines — costing councils up to $100,000 a year.

Evidence given by the District Council of Grant — which covers the south-east corner of South Australia — reported a larger number of car crashes in Mount Gambier during 2014 to 2016 as a result of rampant kangaroos.

New industries a possible solution

The NRC received suggestions about the development of industries that would utilise overabundant species.

The Member for Hammond Adrian Pederick suggested creating products from culled seals.

"You can use the oil, meat and skins … it would be a very niche operation … there are a whole range of things that they could be used for," he told the inquiry.

Others discussed the opportunities for the commercial harvesting of carp and the increased market value for goat products.

Multiple submissions highlighted the need for more research into species and their management.

The University of Adelaide proposed the establishment of a new research hub.

There were calls to cull fur seals in South Australia's Coorong in 2015. ( Supplied: Gary Oliver )

The NRC heard some overabundant and pest species actually had a positive impact in some regions, like the endangered brown bandicoot which feeds on introduced blackberries.

Mr Teague said any solution would require wide-ranging consultation.

"We need to protect our biodiversity and actively manage these issues and that involves engaging and educating about these things so we can all be confident we're taking measures in the interest of the state's biodiversity as a whole," he said.

In response to the calls by the NRC, SA Environment Minister Mr Speirs said he was working with the department and stakeholders to form a policy to better manage the issue.

"When it comes to the management of abundant species we must do it in an effective, agile, practical and humane way, using scientific evidence and complying with legislation," he told the ABC.

"Rather than simply focusing on the abundance of species, we must consider economic and social impact into wildlife management, modernising the approach to the issue.

"There is already significant work being done across the state to address overabundant species, but we can always do things better."

Mr Speirs said he looked forward to studying the NRC report's findings in more details in the coming weeks.