Australia's burgeoning kangaroo population seems in for a hard time. Already unpopular with farmers (Down To Earth, September 15, 1995), the country's national symbol may end up soon as a major industry. With government support, kangaroo meat processors, tanners and leather goods manufacturers are applying the final touches to a 10-year long "strategic plan" for the kangaroo sector.

"The kangaroo is a green, clean, lean product, free-ranging and unique to Australia. If we're going to control it (numerically), let's use it," enthuses Ray Davis, president of the Kangaroo Industries Association of Australia.