We are improving our understanding of how many wild fallow deer we have Tasmania, and where they can be found. For this reason we are undertaking a census.
The census will be undertaken using the following three methods:
- aerial surveying in the areas where deer are in medium to high densities
- camera trapping in areas outside the aerial survey zone
- citizen science state-wide, with particular emphasis in areas outside the survey zone and conservation areas such as the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area (TWWHA) and National Parks
Citizen science
You're invited to take part in our citizen science project. Help us track the distribution of wild fallow deer on Tasmania Parks and Wildlife managed land including:
- National Parks
- Conservation areas
- Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area (TWWHA)
The app will help you report the:
- number of deer you see
- location of the deer you see
The information collected will give us a snapshot of wild fallow deer populations in conservation areas, and inform management strategies now, and in the future.
A poster and a brochure are available to download:
Camera trapping
The camera trapping part of the census will start in January 2021. Trail cameras will be positioned in areas where there are only small populations of wild fallow deer.
Aerial survey
Wild fallow deer were surveyed across eastern Tasmania between 23 September and 4 October 2019. Included in the survey were sightings of forester kangaroo because they share similar habitat.
A helicopter was used to complete the survey. It flew at 50 knots (92 km/h), 200 feet (61 metres) above ground level along a series of east to west orientated survey lines spaced at approximately 10 km intervals. Wild fallow deer and forester kangaroo were counted by direct visual observation, as well as by using a thermal imagery camera.
The survey method was successful, with both visual observations and thermal imagery detecting wild fallow deer, forester kangaroos, and various other wildlife species. Frequently asked questions are available on the Aerial Survey FAQ web page.
The final report on this part of the census is available in three versions:
Background
In response to the 2017 Legislative Council inquiry into wild fallow deer the Government committed to:
- undertaking a comprehensive state-wide census of wild fallow deer in Tasmania
- working with the University of Tasmanian and other stakeholders to develop appropriate survey methodologies
- using the census outputs to inform Quality Deer Management strategies and current wildlife monitoring programs
- working with research partners on a project that will assess the distribution and numbers of wild fallow deer in parts of the TWWHA. This project will complement the state-wide census
- using information from the state-wide population census and other population surveys to inform deer management strategies across the Tasmanian landscape