The research project that forms the basis of this book was commenced within the New South Wales National Parks and Wildlife Service in 1977. It was designed primarily to examine the relationship between high kangaroo densities and vegetation in an arid-zone national park (Kinchega National Park). By examining kangaroo dynamics in relation to weather and pasture availability, and studying kangaroo movement, diet, and techniques for monitoring population change and well-being, it was also hoped to provide information relevant to management of kangaroos on rangelands. Most of the research on the Park was duplicated on the adjoining grazing lease (Tandou).

The years 1977 to 1980 saw the development of techniques for handling the peculiarities of rangeland vegetation, weather and herbivores. In late 1979 CSIRO Division of Wildlife Research (now the CSIRO Division of Wildlife and Rangelands Research) was invited to participate. The invitation was accepted and a formal agreement was drawn up in August 1980 to conduct a joint project for five years. The project was then modified and expanded, proceeding to the end of the contract period in November 1985. This book deals largely with the period of the joint study.