Wild fallow deer populations are monitored in Tasmania.
In 2019 the Government undertook an initial baseline aerial survey to model then estimate species 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 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)
The 2024 survey will use the same methodology as the 2019 survey, and will once again model, then estimate species abundance and distribution.
2024 Aerial Survey: Wild Fallow Deer and Forester Kangaroo
An aerial survey of Wild Fallow Deer and Forester Kangaroo is scheduled for the first half of October 2024. The dates are subject to safe flying conditions.
Results from the survey will:
support assessment of the current management approach
set future policy and management of both species, including licenses, permits and research
Survey area:
The survey area is approximately 26 000 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 will:
fly at approximately 50 knots (92 km/h)
fly at a height approximately 200 feet (61 metres) above ground
make a single pass along a series of east/west survey transects spaced approximately 10 km apart
fly in the four hours following sunrise and three hours prior to sunset - but this will be adjusted in response to weather condtions and animal activity.
not perform low-flying activity over residential areas
Survey technique:
The survey technique uses a combination of direct visual observation and thermal imagining cameras to detect and record animals.
Survey data will be 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
It is anticipated that the results of the 2024 survey will be publicly available in the second quarter of 2025.
A Feedback Form is available and will be actively monitored by the project team. 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: