Aerial Surveys of Wild Fallow Deer and Forester Kangaroo
Wild fallow deer populations are monitored in Tasmania.
In 2019 the Government undertook an initial baseline aerial survey to model and estimate deer abundance and distribution:
2019 Tasmanian Deer Aerial Survey Report (PDF 3Mb)
This was in response to the Legislative Council Inquiry into Wild Fallow Deer. The 2019 study also included Forester Kangaroo because both species share a similar habitat.
The Tasmanian Wild Fallow Deer Management Plan 2022-2027 committed to a follow-up aerial survey after five years:
Tasmanian Wild Fallow Deer Management Plan 2022-27 (PDF 2Mb)
In 2024, the follow up aerial survey was conducted to:
2024 aerial survey summary reports:
Results from the 2024 survey will guide future policy and management of both species, including licences, permits and research.
Survey area:
The 2024 survey area was approximately 25 000 km2 (Image 1 - Survey Footprint) and includes the footprint of the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area (TWWHA) Deer Control Project, and minor extensions to the general footprint to determine abundance and distribution along the fringe of the deer population.
2024 wild fallow deer area of aerial survey - please contact Game Services if you need to access this map in another way
Helicopter use:
The helicopter used in the survey:
travelled at approximately 50 knots (92 km/h)
travelled at a height approximately 200 feet (61 metres) above ground
made a single pass along a series of east/west survey transects spaced approximately 10 km apart
flew in the four hours following sunrise and three hours prior to sunset - but this was adjusted in response to weather condtions and animal activity
did not perform low-flying activity over residential areas
Survey technique:
Survey data was analysed using a technique called Distance Sampling - a key underlying concept is that the probability of detecting an animal decreases as its distance from the observer increases (Image 2 - Distance Measuring Poles).
wild fallow deer aerial survey view from helicopter
Distance Sampling is used internationally to estimate wildlife populations, including:
northern hemisphere deer populations
hoofed animal populations in Europe, America, and Africa
kangaroos, camels and wild horses in Australia
whale populations worldwide
Please use the Feedback Form if you have feedback or questions. Please provide as much detail as possible.
Frequently Asked Questions and Answers are available. These will be reviewed and updated in response to feedback.
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:
To participate simply download the DeerScan app.
The app will help you report the:
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.
Privacy information is also available on the DeerScan website.
A poster and a brochure are available to download: