Communities are being reminded about the increased risk of deer on the roads and on farmland.
With deer breeding season fast approaching, the Centre for Invasive Species Solutions is reminding communities of the heightened risk of feral deer on the road, as well as increased activity and damage across Australia’s landscapes, including in suburban streets.
National deer management co-ordinator Annelise Wiebkin says feral deer cause serious damage in farmland, native bushland and urban areas and that breeding season is a particularly critical time to notice their presence and manage their impacts.
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“Feral deer activity will intensify in coming weeks, so people may see deer more often or even for the first time in a new area,” Dr Wiebkin said.
“It’s important the community reports sightings on the free DeerScan app. We have a small window of opportunity to track their spread and support control efforts, particularly in areas where feral deer numbers are still low.
“Feral deer trash and eat native vegetation, ringbark trees, create wallows, trample undergrowth and spread weed seeds, all things that threaten the survival of native flora and fauna.”
The Centre for Invasive Species Solutions chief executive officer Shauna Chadlowe warned that feral deer were becoming an increasing concern to communities across the country, with extreme weather events such as droughts, floods and fires pushing them into new areas.
“It’s astonishing — deer have now spread to every state and territory in Australia,” she said.
“In fact, nearly a quarter of NSW and Tasmania and almost half of Victoria are now home to established populations. Their numbers have increased tenfold in recent decades.
“We need everyone to stay alert. Every Australian can play a role by reporting feral deer sightings or signs, like tracks and damage. These reports are crucial. They help drive co-ordinated efforts to control new deer populations before they spiral out of control.
“By acting now, we can stop their spread and save Australia millions of dollars each year.”
Deer cause $69 million in agricultural productivity losses a year.
Feral deer also hit the farming community hard, with National Feral Deer Action Plan Committee independent chair Ted Rowley underscoring the importance of control efforts.
“Farmers are fed up. Deer cause $69 million in agricultural productivity losses and $4.5 million in vehicle and train collisions each year. The plan is key to stopping these losses," he said.
Jenny O’Sullivan, champion of Victoria’s Cape Liptrap community deer control group champion Jenny O’Sullivan said the free DeerScan app was really important for the group.
“Reported sightings enable us to know where the deer are moving about in our community and to focus our control efforts more effectively,” she said.
Costing us ‘deerly’
Deer by the numbers
Six species of feral deer have become widespread in Australia.
Deer numbers in Australia are estimated at between 1 and 2 million.
Feral deer cost the Australian economy about $91.3 million in 2021, including:
$69.1 in agricultural losses $17.8 million in public expenditure for control efforts $3.3 million in motor vehicle impacts $1.2 million in train collisions.
