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Habitat suitability and movement modelling for an increasing population of wild deer in Wollongong, NSW
To address the needs of pest managers within the Wollongong region, this thesis aimed to predict the distribution of potentially suitable habitat, and movement corridors through modelling as well as estimate the relative population density
Widespread hybridization in the introduced hog deer population of Victoria, Australia, and its implications for conservation
Three mitochondrial markers and two nuclear markers were sequenced to assess
the genetic variation of the Victorian population of hog deer, which identified that
the Victorian population has hybrid origins with the closely related chital (Axis axis),
a species that is no longer present in the wild in Victoria.This study is
the first to report of long‐term persistence of hog deer and chital hybrids in a wild setting, and the continual survival of this population suggests that hybrids of these
two species are fertile. Despite the newly discovered hybrid status in Victorian hog deer, this population may still be beneficial for future translocations within the native
range.
Recording feral deer presence at Cape Liptrap
In this video, landowners in the Cape Liptrap area describe the impact of feral deer on their properties and why they believe recording deer presence is important. There is then a presentation of how to use the Deer Scan app.
Pheasant Creek Deer Exclusion Fencing
This small patch of native habitat within the Pheasant Creek Flora Reserve is home to the critically endangered Shelley (or Summer) Leek-orchid and over 40 other threatened species. After a fire went through the reserve last summer, DELWP and Parks Victoria in conjunction with the Upper Murray landcare Network, constructed a 5-hectare deer exclusion fence to support its recovery and provide long-term protection from introduced deer.
Deer exclusion fencing
In this video, the Upper Murray Landcare Network presents some examples of fencing methods used in that area to protect your assets from the impact of feral deer.
Methodology matters when estimating deer abundance: a global systematic review and recommendations for improvements
Deer (Cervidae) are key components of many ecosystems and estimating deer abundance or density is important to understanding these roles. Many field methods have been used to estimate deer abundance and density, but the factors determining where, when, and why a method was used, and its usefulness, have not been investigated.
Impact of feral deer to the environment – Cape Liptrap
A Cape Liptrap resident talks about the impact of fallow deer on their property.
Counting the doe; feral deer could cost Victoria over $2 billion
A new independent report from Frontier Economics warns that not controlling the impacts of feral deer in Victoria could cost the community between $1.5 billion and $2.2 billion over the next 30 years.
Animal welfare outcomes of helicopter-based shooting of deer in Australia
Helicopter-based shooting has been widely used to kill deer in Australasia, but the animal welfare outcomes of this technique have not been evaluated.
Quantifying variations in browsing pressure caused by feral deer for a range of threatened ecological communities and plant growth forms
Globally, high-density populations of feral deer have been associated with a range of negative ecological consequences. Within Australia, limited quantitative research has assessed the impacts of deer, particularly in threatened ecological communities (TECs). Our study aimed to quantify the impact of feral deer on the herbivory of a range of woody plant species, non-woody growth forms and TECs; and assess whether feral deer increase herbivory in TECs above background rates caused by native herbivores. We surveyed 356 transects across 89 sites representing eight TECs and collected herbivory data for woody and non-woody plants. At each site, we recorded the presence or absence of deer sign and abundance of macropod pellets to account for variations in herbivory between groups of sympatric species. Generalised linear mixed models were developed to predict: (i) proportion of individual plants browsed (or grazed); and (ii) average browsing (or grazing) intensity for woody plant species and non-woody plants. Controlling for macropod abundance, we found the average grazing intensity and proportion of non-woody plants grazed was higher when deer were present compared to absent.
Agricultural impacts of wild deer in Victoria
The Department of Sustainability and Environment (DSE) commissioned the Arthur Rylah Institute for Environmental Research to evaluate the agricultural impacts of deer in Victoria.
Ecological and Agricultural Impacts of Introduced Deer across the Australian Alps
Deer are among the most introduced of all large mammals around the world (Lever 1985). This is certainly the case in the southern hemisphere, including Australia and New Zealand (Moriarty 2004a). In both countries, a number of species of deer have increased massively in abundance, as well as distribution, since being introduced. Côte et al. (2004) reviewed the ecological impacts of deer overabundance globally, finding that through their foraging activities they affect the growth and survival of many herb, shrub and tree plant species, changing patterns of relative abundance and vegetation dynamics. Since they are highly adapted large herbivores with multi-chambered stomachs capable of microbial digestion of cellulose and utilisation of relatively low quality forage, most plant species are at potential risk. In turn, these negative impacts on plants can flow on to other organisms including insects, birds and other mammals. Long-term effects of browsing can include a reduction in vegetation cover as well as a loss in diversity of plant species (Rose and Platt 1987; Stewart et al. 1987; Husheer et al. 2003; Husheer and Frampton 2005; Husheer 2007).
Collective Impact in Australia
The rapid adoption of collective impact in Australia and overseas is testament to the fact that current responses to the complex issues of contemporary families and communities are inadequate, and that a holistic and coordinated response resonates with practitioners in the social services sector.
A field method for rapidly assessing deer density and impacts in forested ecosystems
Overabundant deer populations can cause severe ecological impacts. To inform management decisions and assess the effectiveness of mitigation strategies, land managers require a rapid and cost-effective method for collecting data on both deer density and impacts.
Cardinia Creek Catchment Thermal Surveys Report
Author Tarnya Cox, Research Scientist Department of Primary Industries, Vertebrate Pest Research Unit Summary A thermal survey of Cardinia Creek Catchment was undertaken from 3-4
Functional responses of an apex predator and a mesopredator to an invading ungulate: Dingoes, red foxes and sambar deer in south-east Australia
Biological invasions by large herbivores involve the establishment of novel interactions with the receiving mammalian carnivore community, but understanding these interactions is difficult due to the large spatiotemporal scales at which such dynamics would occur.
Peri-urban Deer Control Plan 2021–26
Peri-urban Deer Control Plan 2021–26 (the Plan) is Victoria’s plan to reduce the impact of deer across the peri-urban region east and north of Melbourne.
Guide to Monitoring Methods
Monitoring can be done in different ways. This guide lists common monitoring tools available to assist in deer control work.
Introduced Deer Field Identification Guide for the Australian Alps
Introduced deer are recognised as a major and widespread component of the Australian biota and have an unknown but potentially large impact on the landscapes they now inhabit (Moriarty 2004; Van Dyk and Strahan 2008). This is certainly the case in the Australian Alps, where several species of deer are common and most likely increasing in abundance. The current handbook, developed in recognition of this emerging issue, aims to be a practical guide for ACT Parks and Conservation, NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service and Parks Victoria staff involved in management of introduced deer within conservation reserves across the Alps.
A Framework for Developing a Community-based Deer Management Program
This Framework, which is based on the experience and knowledge gained through the Harrietville Living with Deer project, is for use by land managers and communities wanting to develop a community response to deer impacts in a Victorian community.