Aerial survey of feral deer populations wraps up in West Australian hotspots

Aerial surveys to gather critical information on the density of feral deer populations have wrapped up near Esperance, Harvey and Muchea, with results set to be released in the New Year.

The surveys of agricultural properties and conservation areas by the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development began in mid-October and took several weeks to complete.

A department spokeswoman said staff were still crunching the numbers but were expected to finish the time-consuming job in January.

Feral deer are one of Australia’s worst emerging animal pest threats according to DPIRD, with populations continuing to expand — particularly in parts of the Eastern States where numbers have increased to unprecedented levels.

The pest affects agricultural production and the environment, while also posing a biosecurity risk via the transmission of emergency animal diseases such as foot-and-mouth.

DPIRD has developed a WA Deer Action Plan to prevent new populations becoming established and to control existing populations.

As part of the plan, DPIRD is targeting three locations where there are known populations of feral deer of varying levels to collect baseline data on population distribution and density.

DPIRD technical area manager Peter Adams said the data would inform the development of tools and management strategies to develop best practice control measures.

“While feral deer in WA are not yet at levels like those in the east, it is important to take action now to prevent populations from increasing to unmanageable levels,” Dr Adams said.

“This initiative will help to provide scientific evidence from which to develop robust and effective control strategies that are suitable to WA conditions.”

Dr Adams said there were known populations of red and fallow deer at Esperance and Muchea, and rusa deer at Harvey.

“These sites will be the focus of ongoing monitoring,” he said.