Incidence of feral deer, mainly individual stags, are also reported in the Northern Rivers regions and so it is important to report sightings in this area to improve our knowledge of feral deer populations and provide information if management programs are required.
Grazing and trampling caused by feral deer threatens native species that are less able to compete for food and habitat and damages the composition and structure of habitats of threatened fauna.
Scent marking and rubbing of antlers leads to many trees becoming ring-barked and dying, whilst browsing on shrubs and grasses, forbs and other general foliage further degrades these communities.
Weed seeds are introduced in scats and increased light penetration from disturbed canopies - particularly in Littoral Rainforests - sets the conditions for rapid weed invasion, particularly from Lantana, Bitou Bush and Tropical Soda Apple – which are significant weeds on the North Coast.
Dean Chamberlain, Team Leader Invasive Pests said, “Feral deer have a serious impact on the natural environment, but they also have devastating impacts for agricultural producers and even gardens and community spaces in our urban areas.
“Deer would easily make the Olympics high jump team, some species able to jump fences up to 2.5m high and this enables them to invade farms, graze on pastures and crops, consume stock water and feed, congregate around water sources and damage riparian zones around dams, waterholes, creeks and rivers.
“The impact on agricultural enterprises varies but can easily reach the tens of thousands of dollars each year for farmers due to increased grazing pressure, loss of crops and damage to infrastructure.”
Feral deer are increasingly present in urban areas, grazing on lawns and backyard vegetable gardens, destroying landscaping, destroying community spaces such as parks and causing motor vehicle accidents.
Dean continued, “Feral deer should not be approached by people as they are wild animals and are unpredictable, stags can be particularly aggressive and people can put themselves at extreme risk by approaching them.”
“We encourage landholders and residents to report sightings of feral deer, as this provides valuable information on where they are and helps us prioritise management.” Dean said.
To report feral deer:
- Download and install the FeralScan app on your smart phone.
- Record a sighting on the FeralScan website
- Call your nearest Local Land Services office on 1300 795 299
If you would like to know more about feral deer or if you would like help in managing feral deer in your area, we encourage all interested landholders to contact the North Coast Local Land Services Biosecurity Team in their local office or on 1300 795 299 to find out how to be involved.
