Deer are an emerging threat to native vegetation and wildlife. There are estimated to be in excess of a million feral deer in Victoria (Invasive Species Council). Deer are being targeted in programs operating in parks and wilderness areas, typically by shooting. However deer are increasingly moving into peri urban areas along the Yarra river corridor where they are harder to control.
There have been regular recent reports of deer in parkland along our local stretch of the Yarra (Yarra Flats, Montpelier Billabong and Banyule Flats – see photographs below). The species detected appears to be the Sambar deer, a large bodied deer that is widespread in Victoria. These deer damage native vegetation along the river through grazing and trampling, including some of our revegetation efforts. Startled deer are also a danger to people visiting our parks or driving on nearby roads at night.
James Deane 2023