Victoria considers feral deer a pest amid rising population concerns

In Victoria, landholders and environmental groups are advocating for the reclassification of feral deer from protected wildlife to pest status due to their rapidly increasing population. This change is seen as necessary to align Victoria with other mainland Australian states, where feral deer are already recognized as pests. The Victorian National Parks Association highlights the detrimental impact of deer on agriculture, local ecosystems, and road safety, emphasizing the urgent need for effective management strategies. Ecologists have reported severe damage to critical habitats, such as cool temperate rainforests, where deer have decimated native flora and disrupted the ecosystem. The introduction of deer has led to significant environmental degradation, including the destruction of sassafras trees and the introduction of harmful fungi. This has dire consequences for local wildlife, including threatened species like the superb lyrebird and the unique sherbrooke amphipod. Despite the growing concerns, the Victorian government maintains that the current classification does not hinder control efforts. A spokesperson mentioned that a statewide deer management plan is in place and that a review of the Wildlife Act is underway to ensure proper wildlife management. However, many stakeholders argue that the existing protections create confusion and bureaucracy, complicating efforts to manage deer populations effectively. The situation in Victoria mirrors broader concerns about invasive species in Australia, with calls for a more proactive approach to wildlife management. As feral deer continue to proliferate, the need for a decisive response becomes increasingly critical to protect both agricultural interests and the environment.