Feral deer will become Australia’s next feral pig problem without prompt action, report warns
Summary
An unpublished Australian government report says feral deer grew in number and spread across the country between 2020 and 2025, causing more than $91 million in annual production losses and management costs. South Australia was the only state or territory to earn green ratings across all four measures, while advocates say other jurisdictions need sustained funding and action to contain deer.Key Facts
- The report assessed the national feral deer action plan over the five years from 2020 to 2025.
- Feral deer cost Australia more than $91 million each year in production losses and management time, according to the report.
- Six feral deer species are established in Australia: chital, fallow, hog, red, rusa and sambar.
- Deer populations are strongest in south-eastern Australia, with smaller local populations in South Australia, Western Australia and the Northern Territory.
- South Australia received green ratings for abundance, distribution, and environmental and agricultural impacts after starting a statewide eradication plan in 2022.
- New South Wales and Tasmania received red ratings in all four assessment categories.
- Queensland and the Australian Capital Territory each received three red ratings and one yellow; no jurisdiction other than South Australia received a green rating.
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