Feral deer

Feral deer are medium to large-sized ungulates. Their browsing can change forest structure, they may spread bovine TB, and can be a road hazard.

Description

• Red deer have reddish-brown coats and can weigh up to 180kg.
• Fallow deer are much smaller and have chestnut coats.
• Dispersed by movement with large home ranges of 8-15km2 and by illegal human-induced releases.
• Habitats include forests, shrublands, grasslands and plantations.

What you need to know

Heavy and selective browsing can radically change forest structure and soil processes. Can be a reservoir for bovine TB. Can be a road hazard. Grazing on pasture or crops can reduce yield.

Management approach

We do not manage the control of feral deer as the management of this species is regulated under the Wild Animal Control Act 1977 administered by the Department of Conservation.

View the Department of Conservation’s framework for the control of feral deer.

Community led

Feral deer may be of interest to the public as they occur regularly in the environment and cause significant damage, particularly to biodiversity values. Control efforts are most effectively implemented by utilising a collaborative approach involving neighbouring land occupiers.

Control

For information on controlling feral deer visit the Department of Conservation website.