Feral deer are an emerging animal pest threat, impacting agricultural production and the environment.
The surveys form part of the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD’s) Western Australian Deer Action Plan to prevent new populations becoming established and to control existing populations.
DPIRD development officer Stuart Dawson said feral deer populations in WA had the potential to grow quickly and DPIRD’s priority was to prevent high numbers establishing.
“Feral deer can cause a range of impacts, from wrecking pasture and crops, to damaging fences, to eating or ringbarking native plants which can lead to habitat destruction for local fauna,” Dr Dawson said.
DPIRD is targeting areas surrounding Muchea, Esperance and Harvey, where there are known populations of feral deer, to collect baseline data on population distribution and density.
Dr Dawson said the data would assist the development of tools and management strategies to develop best practice control measures.
“Thermal imaging cameras will be used to detect the heat signatures of feral deer through gaps in vegetation and canopy cover,” he said.
“This survey is a continuation of survey work conducted in 2023 and will facilitate future pest research and control operations.
“Last year’s surveys detected red deer at Esperance and Muchea, as well as rusa deer at Harvey.”
DPIRD will also use the aerial surveys to collect feral pig population data, to help inform local control activities.
Landholders in the area have been advised and provided with information about the surveys.
The Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions is working with DPIRD on a range of deer research initiatives as well as facilitating the surveys.
Feral deer are declared pests in Western Australia. Landholders who see vertebrate pests, such as feral deer or feral pigs, on their property can report these sightings using the FeralScan App or online at www.feralscan.org.au.
FeralScan is a central reporting database that records pest animal sightings across Australia.
Sightings of rusa deer should be reported to DPIRD’s Pest and Disease Information Service by emailing padis@dpird.wa.gov.au or telephone 9368 3080.
Control information can also be found at www.pestsmart.org.au.
