A shoot-on-sight call has been issued on so-called "Asbo Bambi" in Scotland, after reported sightings of the "destructive" species. Scotland does not have an established Muntjac population, but SNH estimates that if one were to develop it would cost the country around £2m a year. The deer, originally from China, cause extensive damage to vegetation and crops, and car accidents by running out into the road. The SNH's advisor on non-native species, Stan Whitaker, described the animals as "the most destructive pests in Britain".Source: Sky News
Showing posts with label introduced deer. Show all posts
Showing posts with label introduced deer. Show all posts
Friday, July 20, 2012
SCOTLAND NEWS: Muntjac Deer Detected
Muntjac deer might be in the process of colonizing Scotland.
Saturday, May 12, 2012
HAWAI'I NEWS: Agricultural Damage from Axis Deer Tops $1 Million
Hawai'i has no native deer. Indeed, they have no native browsing mammals. Axis deer was first introduced to Molokai and Oahu in 1868, Lanai in 1920, and Maui in 1959. They were found on the Big Island last year. They are considered invasive on all of these islands.
As for the damage assessment:
A county survey shows axis deer are to blame for at least $1 million in damage to farms, ranches and resorts in the last two years, the Maui News reported today. But the actual damage is likely greater because not all of the farmers and ranchers contacted for information responded to surveys, said Kenneth Yamamura, agricultural specialist in the county Office of Economic Development.Data from the Department of Land and Natural Resources indicates 4000-5000 deer are on Maui last year and about 3500 - 4000 are found on Lanai. Source: Honolulu Star-Advertiser
Saturday, April 14, 2012
HAWAI'I NEWS: Axis Deer to be Eradicated on Big Island
To protect Hawai‘i Island from the impacts of axis deer that were illegally introduced and are now spreading, the Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR), has been providing resources for a team to investigate the known locations of, and more recently to begin controlling deer. Axis deer are not native to Hawai‘i, and they are known pests of agriculture, as well as native and culturally significant plants, many of which are already endangered.
Recognizing the impact this invasive species can have on local cattleman and farmers, a partnership between conservation groups and the agricultural community was formed last year. It has since proved its readiness to address this new threat with the taking of the first axis deer on the Big Island on April 11, 2012, as part of an official program to remove these unwanted pests from the island.
Source: Big Island Video News
Friday, February 25, 2011
SCOTLAND NEWS: Wild Muntjac Not Welcome
There are no wild populations of muntjac deer in Scotland, and a recent order (Muntjac Keeping-Scotland Order 2011) was decreed to keep it that way. Any muntjac in the wild is to be killed on sight.
According to Environment Secretary Richard Lochhead:
Source: The Press Association
According to Environment Secretary Richard Lochhead:
"They're widespread in south and central England but have a patchy distribution between the Humber and the Scottish borders. They are destructive animals, or invasive species to use the more modern term. They can have significant negative impacts in the wild, both to biodiversity and economic interest."
They can damage orchards, cereal crops, coppice woods and bluebells, he said, and have been known to add to accident risks on roads.
Source: The Press Association
Friday, January 22, 2010
SOUTH AFRICA NEWS: Deer Remaining on Robben Island to be Removed or Culled
Robben Island has given conservationists until the end of the month to obtain permits for the live capture and removal of about 30 remaining fallow deer, or it will continue the culling process.
Lekgetho James Makola, acting senior manager at Robben Island Museum, said the cut-off date was necessary so a final decision could be taken on whether the culling of the deer would resume.
Robben Island officials have met representatives from animal welfare group Four Paws International, which runs the Lions Rock sanctuary in the Free State, to discuss a proposal for the capture and relocation of the fallow deer.
Makola said Four Paws International presented a proposal for the sterilisation, capture and removal of the deer.
"We have approved their proposal and have given the go-ahead for them to obtain permits for the relocation."
According to Makola, Four Paws International has until the January 31 to come up with the permits.
He said the island had tried for three years to obtain such permits, but all applications had failed.
About 220 deer have been culled in the problem animal control operation under way on the island.
Three months ago, the museum, CapeNature, SPCA, and others were approached by interest groups offering to find an alternative home for the deer, and agreed to suspend the culling.
Makola said he hoped Lions Rock would meet the requirements set by CapeNature.
"We are hoping that their application will be successful, so that we can put this behind us.
"But if they fail to do so, we will have to revert to the culling programme."
Dr Amir Khalil, director of project development at Four Paws, said the organisation had offered "to assist with the capture and removal of the fallow deer, and placement in a sanctuary approved by relevant parties".
"The monitoring and supervision of the capture, sterilisation and translocation will be done exclusively by the SPCA Cape of Good Hope," he said.
Four Paws had agreed to carry the cost of the capture, translocation, logistics and life-long care of the deer.
"The best time to move the animals is in March and April, but we are ready at any time to do the transfer."
Khalil said Four Paws was awaiting a response from Free State Nature Conservation about the permits.
"Once we obtain these, we can summit a full application to CapeNature for a final decision on whether a capture and transport permit will be approved," he said.
Source: Independent Online
Lekgetho James Makola, acting senior manager at Robben Island Museum, said the cut-off date was necessary so a final decision could be taken on whether the culling of the deer would resume.
Robben Island officials have met representatives from animal welfare group Four Paws International, which runs the Lions Rock sanctuary in the Free State, to discuss a proposal for the capture and relocation of the fallow deer.
Makola said Four Paws International presented a proposal for the sterilisation, capture and removal of the deer.
"We have approved their proposal and have given the go-ahead for them to obtain permits for the relocation."
According to Makola, Four Paws International has until the January 31 to come up with the permits.
He said the island had tried for three years to obtain such permits, but all applications had failed.
About 220 deer have been culled in the problem animal control operation under way on the island.
Three months ago, the museum, CapeNature, SPCA, and others were approached by interest groups offering to find an alternative home for the deer, and agreed to suspend the culling.
Makola said he hoped Lions Rock would meet the requirements set by CapeNature.
"We are hoping that their application will be successful, so that we can put this behind us.
"But if they fail to do so, we will have to revert to the culling programme."
Dr Amir Khalil, director of project development at Four Paws, said the organisation had offered "to assist with the capture and removal of the fallow deer, and placement in a sanctuary approved by relevant parties".
"The monitoring and supervision of the capture, sterilisation and translocation will be done exclusively by the SPCA Cape of Good Hope," he said.
Four Paws had agreed to carry the cost of the capture, translocation, logistics and life-long care of the deer.
"The best time to move the animals is in March and April, but we are ready at any time to do the transfer."
Khalil said Four Paws was awaiting a response from Free State Nature Conservation about the permits.
"Once we obtain these, we can summit a full application to CapeNature for a final decision on whether a capture and transport permit will be approved," he said.
Source: Independent Online
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
HAWAII NEWS: Axis Deer on the Rise
A major and expensive pest has placed state lands, Hawaiian home lands, public and private watersheds, golf courses, parks, ranches, farms and home gardens under siege.
However, it is an extremely cute creature to many. A delicacy to some. And a potential lawsuit to others.
It's the spotted axis deer. But don't ask for an accurate population estimate for Maui County; the experts' answers are mostly anecdotal. However, they agree that the introduced animal's numbers are spiraling out of control.
While hunting education classes are booked five months in advance, fewer people hunt today than a generation ago. And the animals are increasingly finding refuge in town parks and suburbia, where firearms use could land hunters behind bars.
As in other states, Hawai'i has made efforts to increase the number of hunters to deal with exploding deer populations, such as offering popular hunter education classes, no bag limits, a year-round hunting season and cheap licenses.
Jeffrey DeRego, Maui Hunters and Sportsman Club president, said one of the largest obstacles to controlling the deer population — as well as those of feral pigs and goats — is America's litigious society. Rather than allow hunters onto their land to cull the herds for free, large landowners are warned by their insurance companies against allowing individuals onto their properties, he said.
However, hunting is a visitor attraction on Maui as well. The 1,000-acre Arrow One Ranch in Kula and Maui Hunting Safari offer "exclusive" hunting grounds for "free-range prey," according to the businesses' Web sites.
State wildlife biologist Shane De Mattos said axis deer have not significantly affected native forests so far, although the potential is there. Still, deer have devoured some wild taro patches on Moloka'i, which were replaced by California scrub brush.
Source: Honolulu Advertiser
However, it is an extremely cute creature to many. A delicacy to some. And a potential lawsuit to others.
It's the spotted axis deer. But don't ask for an accurate population estimate for Maui County; the experts' answers are mostly anecdotal. However, they agree that the introduced animal's numbers are spiraling out of control.
While hunting education classes are booked five months in advance, fewer people hunt today than a generation ago. And the animals are increasingly finding refuge in town parks and suburbia, where firearms use could land hunters behind bars.
As in other states, Hawai'i has made efforts to increase the number of hunters to deal with exploding deer populations, such as offering popular hunter education classes, no bag limits, a year-round hunting season and cheap licenses.
Jeffrey DeRego, Maui Hunters and Sportsman Club president, said one of the largest obstacles to controlling the deer population — as well as those of feral pigs and goats — is America's litigious society. Rather than allow hunters onto their land to cull the herds for free, large landowners are warned by their insurance companies against allowing individuals onto their properties, he said.
However, hunting is a visitor attraction on Maui as well. The 1,000-acre Arrow One Ranch in Kula and Maui Hunting Safari offer "exclusive" hunting grounds for "free-range prey," according to the businesses' Web sites.
State wildlife biologist Shane De Mattos said axis deer have not significantly affected native forests so far, although the potential is there. Still, deer have devoured some wild taro patches on Moloka'i, which were replaced by California scrub brush.
Source: Honolulu Advertiser
Monday, March 02, 2009
AUSTRALIA NEWS: Sport hunting Unlikely to Control Deer
The National Parks Association says deer hunters in the New South Wales Illawarra region need to view the pest as an environmental threat rather than a hunting resource.
The state's third annual deer season, which is open to recreational hunters, started yesterday and runs until the end of October.
The association's executive officer Andrew Cox says recreational hunting is not an effective feral animal control because it is too selective.
Mr Cox says while there is some reduction in deer numbers, hunters need to take stronger action.
"With feral animals acting early and with lots of resources is the way to deal with this," he said.
"I think we can act to stop new populations growing, expanding in areas that weren't covered.
"They certainly are well adapted to many of the coastal wet forests of the east coast of New South Wales."
Source: ABC News (Australia)
The state's third annual deer season, which is open to recreational hunters, started yesterday and runs until the end of October.
The association's executive officer Andrew Cox says recreational hunting is not an effective feral animal control because it is too selective.
Mr Cox says while there is some reduction in deer numbers, hunters need to take stronger action.
"With feral animals acting early and with lots of resources is the way to deal with this," he said.
"I think we can act to stop new populations growing, expanding in areas that weren't covered.
"They certainly are well adapted to many of the coastal wet forests of the east coast of New South Wales."
Source: ABC News (Australia)
Thursday, January 29, 2009
UK NEWS: Deer Populations Up, Need for Culling Up
The deer population in Britain has risen sharply in recent years and is now between 1.5 and 2 million.
The boom in numbers has lead to an increasing number of motorists being injured in collisions with the animals on the road.
They are also causing damage to the countryside.
Now conservationists say a cull is the only viable option.
Ashdown Forest, in East Sussex, which has several thousand Fallow Deer, about two dozen Roe Deer, large numbers of Muntjac and a small herd of Sika, has the highest number of deer-vehicle collisions in Britain.
In 2000 rangers attended 100 collisions involving deer compared to 266 in 2008, despite having fewer staff in 2008. The actual number of collisions is believed to be around 500 a year.
Dr Hew Prendergast, Clerk to the Conservators of Ashdown Forest, said: "The damage the deer are doing in the countryside and the numbers of casualties there are on the roads mean that something must be done.
No-one wants to blast deer to kingdom come for the hell of it but its better to have them killed humanely and sensitively than to let them die in agony on the side of a road."
He added: "The logistics of fencing off all the roads are impossible really to consider so a reduction of the population as a whole needs to be done."
Peter Watson, executive director of the Deer Initiative, said to keep the deer population static, 25 per cent needed to be culled every year.
With the deer population in Britain rising to up to two million, that requires around 350,000 deer to be culled.
Mr Watson said: "The impact of DVCs is far too high in relation to the number of deer. Deers have value but in some areas there are too many accidents and the balance is wrong."
Culling is not seen as the only answer but is hugely effective.
A culling programme in Herefordshire in 2005 reduced the number of DVC on the A49 from 50 to zero the following year.
Mr Watson added: "Sometimes it's the only way. There is no doubt that if you significantly reduce the deer population you can influence road traffic accidents."
DVC hotspots include Ashdown Forest, The New Forest, Thetford Forest in Norfolk and Cannock Chase, Staffs.
Trevor Banham, Chief Wildlife Ranger for the Forestry Commission East of England, said at Thetford Forest, which has a deer population of around 14,000, they cull 25 per cent every year to keep numbers down.
Forced to deal around 200 DVCs, he said there was no need for an extra cull.
He added: "We do have accidents but deer are wild animals. You can't fence them in."
Source: Telegraph
The boom in numbers has lead to an increasing number of motorists being injured in collisions with the animals on the road.
They are also causing damage to the countryside.
Now conservationists say a cull is the only viable option.
Ashdown Forest, in East Sussex, which has several thousand Fallow Deer, about two dozen Roe Deer, large numbers of Muntjac and a small herd of Sika, has the highest number of deer-vehicle collisions in Britain.
In 2000 rangers attended 100 collisions involving deer compared to 266 in 2008, despite having fewer staff in 2008. The actual number of collisions is believed to be around 500 a year.
Dr Hew Prendergast, Clerk to the Conservators of Ashdown Forest, said: "The damage the deer are doing in the countryside and the numbers of casualties there are on the roads mean that something must be done.
No-one wants to blast deer to kingdom come for the hell of it but its better to have them killed humanely and sensitively than to let them die in agony on the side of a road."
He added: "The logistics of fencing off all the roads are impossible really to consider so a reduction of the population as a whole needs to be done."
Peter Watson, executive director of the Deer Initiative, said to keep the deer population static, 25 per cent needed to be culled every year.
With the deer population in Britain rising to up to two million, that requires around 350,000 deer to be culled.
Mr Watson said: "The impact of DVCs is far too high in relation to the number of deer. Deers have value but in some areas there are too many accidents and the balance is wrong."
Culling is not seen as the only answer but is hugely effective.
A culling programme in Herefordshire in 2005 reduced the number of DVC on the A49 from 50 to zero the following year.
Mr Watson added: "Sometimes it's the only way. There is no doubt that if you significantly reduce the deer population you can influence road traffic accidents."
DVC hotspots include Ashdown Forest, The New Forest, Thetford Forest in Norfolk and Cannock Chase, Staffs.
Trevor Banham, Chief Wildlife Ranger for the Forestry Commission East of England, said at Thetford Forest, which has a deer population of around 14,000, they cull 25 per cent every year to keep numbers down.
Forced to deal around 200 DVCs, he said there was no need for an extra cull.
He added: "We do have accidents but deer are wild animals. You can't fence them in."
Source: Telegraph
Thursday, January 15, 2009
UK NEWS: Deer-Vehicle Crashes Rise Threefold in Seven Years, Calls for Deer Cull Follow
A major cull of deer numbers needs to be carried out to cut road accidents, according to the group that manages Ashdown Forest.
In 2000 rangers attended 100 collisions involving deer compared to 266 in 2008, despite having fewer staff in 2008.
Dr Hew Prendergast, Clerk to Conservators of Ashdown Forest said a cull was the only viable option.
Trevor Weeks, of East Sussex Wildlife Rescue and Ambulance Service, said speeding motorists were the problem.
The area of heath and woodland on the Kent and Sussex border was established 900 years ago for deer hunting.
It now has several thousand Fallow Deer, about two dozen Roe Deer, large numbers of Muntjac and a small herd of Sika.
Dr Hew Prendergast said in 2007 there were 311 road crashes involving deer in the forest and the figure for 2008 was only lower because they had 25% fewer staff and were therefore able to attend fewer incidents.
He added: "The damage the deer are doing in the countryside and the numbers of casualties there are on the roads mean that something must be done.
"The logistics of fencing off all the roads are impossible really to consider so a reduction of the population as a whole needs to be done."
It has also been said that a cull would provide fresh venison for the local economy.
Phil Miles, of Godmersham Game butchers in Canterbury, said: "If you can source everything locally it produces income and economy for the local areas.
"You cut down your disease problems because you are not transporting carcasses or live animals everywhere.
"It's always been there but it's been too easy to go and buy stuff from the supermarket."
Wildlife welfare campaigner Mr Weeks said his organisation was currently treating a deer that had been injured in a road crash at its centre in Uckfield.
He added: "I would be opposed to a cull. It's not the deers' fault, its the drivers who drive too fast and don't change their speed to the conditions of the road.
"The price of venison has decreased so it would not sell very well. With the credit crunch should the tax payer be paying for a cull of deer."
Source: BBC
In 2000 rangers attended 100 collisions involving deer compared to 266 in 2008, despite having fewer staff in 2008.
Dr Hew Prendergast, Clerk to Conservators of Ashdown Forest said a cull was the only viable option.
Trevor Weeks, of East Sussex Wildlife Rescue and Ambulance Service, said speeding motorists were the problem.
The area of heath and woodland on the Kent and Sussex border was established 900 years ago for deer hunting.
It now has several thousand Fallow Deer, about two dozen Roe Deer, large numbers of Muntjac and a small herd of Sika.
Dr Hew Prendergast said in 2007 there were 311 road crashes involving deer in the forest and the figure for 2008 was only lower because they had 25% fewer staff and were therefore able to attend fewer incidents.
He added: "The damage the deer are doing in the countryside and the numbers of casualties there are on the roads mean that something must be done.
"The logistics of fencing off all the roads are impossible really to consider so a reduction of the population as a whole needs to be done."
It has also been said that a cull would provide fresh venison for the local economy.
Phil Miles, of Godmersham Game butchers in Canterbury, said: "If you can source everything locally it produces income and economy for the local areas.
"You cut down your disease problems because you are not transporting carcasses or live animals everywhere.
"It's always been there but it's been too easy to go and buy stuff from the supermarket."
Wildlife welfare campaigner Mr Weeks said his organisation was currently treating a deer that had been injured in a road crash at its centre in Uckfield.
He added: "I would be opposed to a cull. It's not the deers' fault, its the drivers who drive too fast and don't change their speed to the conditions of the road.
"The price of venison has decreased so it would not sell very well. With the credit crunch should the tax payer be paying for a cull of deer."
Source: BBC
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
AUSTRALIA NEWS: Feral Deer Multiplying in Brisbane Area
Feral deer are being targeted by Brisbane City Council literally.
Four deer have been shot by Brisbane City Council officers in the past two months in response to complaints, with council abandoning the use of deer trapping in bushland or large land tracts.
It was revealed early this month council would hire a second animal control officer amid rapidly multiplying numbers of feral deer, which have caused problems on western suburb roads.
In April, police responded to calls from startled families in Seven Hills, Norman Park and Camp Hill about a stag wandering their streets.
After attempts to capture the animal failed, it was left to find its own way back to
Carina’s Minnippi Parklands, where a herd of up to 30 deer are known to roam.
While initially being told by council its primary response was to trap the animals, a spokesman for Lord Mayor Campbell Newman has revealed it will only continue use of traps when close to homes.
He said shooting would be the preferred option on large tracts of land where necessary as the deer were often harming themselves as they thrashed about inside the cages trying to escape.
But the spokesman denied reports a larger cull was being considered.
Councillor Newman would not be drawn except to say it was a major problem.
``It is not something that can be swept under the carpet anymore, it must be dealt with,’’ he said.
RSPCA spokesman Michael Beatty preferred the deer were humanely euthanised and not unnecessarily shot, but conceded finding a sanctuary or farm willing to take them in was difficult.
``It will get 10 times worse in another three years,’’ Mr Beatty said, of the feral deer problem.
Source: Wynnum Herald
Four deer have been shot by Brisbane City Council officers in the past two months in response to complaints, with council abandoning the use of deer trapping in bushland or large land tracts.
It was revealed early this month council would hire a second animal control officer amid rapidly multiplying numbers of feral deer, which have caused problems on western suburb roads.
In April, police responded to calls from startled families in Seven Hills, Norman Park and Camp Hill about a stag wandering their streets.
After attempts to capture the animal failed, it was left to find its own way back to
Carina’s Minnippi Parklands, where a herd of up to 30 deer are known to roam.
While initially being told by council its primary response was to trap the animals, a spokesman for Lord Mayor Campbell Newman has revealed it will only continue use of traps when close to homes.
He said shooting would be the preferred option on large tracts of land where necessary as the deer were often harming themselves as they thrashed about inside the cages trying to escape.
But the spokesman denied reports a larger cull was being considered.
Councillor Newman would not be drawn except to say it was a major problem.
``It is not something that can be swept under the carpet anymore, it must be dealt with,’’ he said.
RSPCA spokesman Michael Beatty preferred the deer were humanely euthanised and not unnecessarily shot, but conceded finding a sanctuary or farm willing to take them in was difficult.
``It will get 10 times worse in another three years,’’ Mr Beatty said, of the feral deer problem.
Source: Wynnum Herald
Monday, September 29, 2008
IRELAND NEWS: Invasive Muntjac Deer to be Shot on Sight
TINY, four-footed Chinese "invaders" are to be shot on sight in Irish forests.
The 19-inch-high Muntjac deer have been brought into the country and released illegally into the wild, Department of the Environment officials believe.
The non-native species, also known as "barking" deer, pose a threat to the Irish deer populations of Sika, Red and Fallow.
The Department's experts say the non-native populations are susceptible to, or may act as a reservoir for, bovine TB, foot and mouth disease, Lyme's disease and bluetongue virus.
They also have a reputation for damaging crops.
The Muntjac have been spotted in Co Wicklow in three separate areas 15km apart and some have already been shot by licenced hunters.
Now Environment Minister John Gormley has declared "open season" on the Muntjac for the next 12 months under the Wildlife Act. Native deer species are protected and can only be hunted during very specific parts of the year. But licenced deer hunters will be able to hunt Muntjac throughout the State subject to the permission of the landowner.
"The introduction of the Muntjac deer in Britain has resulted in significant damage to commercial woodland, farm crops and gardens over the years," Mr Gormley said.
"I am of the view that this authorisation ensure that the species does not gain a foothold in the country.
"My Department are examining further measures with a view to eradicating this alien species before it becomes established."
The Muntjac's small size and its liking for woodland habitats together with its extended breeding season, allows it to build up numbers and reach high densities quickly.
The Department warned it is a criminal offence to introduce and release Muntjac deer and Mr Gormley said they would vigorously pursue "any individual introducing invasive species into the State."
Source: Herald.ie
The 19-inch-high Muntjac deer have been brought into the country and released illegally into the wild, Department of the Environment officials believe.
The non-native species, also known as "barking" deer, pose a threat to the Irish deer populations of Sika, Red and Fallow.
The Department's experts say the non-native populations are susceptible to, or may act as a reservoir for, bovine TB, foot and mouth disease, Lyme's disease and bluetongue virus.
They also have a reputation for damaging crops.
The Muntjac have been spotted in Co Wicklow in three separate areas 15km apart and some have already been shot by licenced hunters.
Now Environment Minister John Gormley has declared "open season" on the Muntjac for the next 12 months under the Wildlife Act. Native deer species are protected and can only be hunted during very specific parts of the year. But licenced deer hunters will be able to hunt Muntjac throughout the State subject to the permission of the landowner.
"The introduction of the Muntjac deer in Britain has resulted in significant damage to commercial woodland, farm crops and gardens over the years," Mr Gormley said.
"I am of the view that this authorisation ensure that the species does not gain a foothold in the country.
"My Department are examining further measures with a view to eradicating this alien species before it becomes established."
The Muntjac's small size and its liking for woodland habitats together with its extended breeding season, allows it to build up numbers and reach high densities quickly.
The Department warned it is a criminal offence to introduce and release Muntjac deer and Mr Gormley said they would vigorously pursue "any individual introducing invasive species into the State."
Source: Herald.ie
Friday, June 06, 2008
NEW ZEALAND NEWS: RFID Tags for All Farmed Deer By 2011
Can the U.S. be far behind? Sadly, yes.
New Zealand's Stuff has reported that by 2011 all cattle and deer on the island nation of four million people are likely to be RFID tagged. The initiative is part of a multimillion dollar allocation by the New Zealand government to strengthen biosecurity protections.
While there are already a dozen RFID trials underway at farms around the country, there is as yet no centralized, national database to track tagged animals. This according to Ian Corney, chair of the National Animal Identification and Tracing project and a farmer himself. Clearly such a database is necessary for livestock tracking to be effective. "What it means, now, is the traceability database can get built and we can get on with the job," Corney was quoted in reference to the new government funding.
Corney indicated that the tagging will be essentially mandatory but that there will not be new legislation for it. "There are several mechanisms that can be worked around," he said.
The total biosecurity allocation is NZ$23.3 million, or roughly US$19 million. The money for the animal tagging will be a subset of that. In addition to containing the outbreak of disease, predicted benefits from the RFID system include improved livestock management for farmers, as well as the ability to present consumers with more information about where their meat comes from.
Cattle are slated to be tagged first, with deer to follow. Depending on the success of the system, other animals could be tagged after that, including sheep (no small feat given the nation's claim that sheep outnumber people ten-to-one).
Source: http://www.rfidupdate.com/news/06052008.html
New Zealand's Stuff has reported that by 2011 all cattle and deer on the island nation of four million people are likely to be RFID tagged. The initiative is part of a multimillion dollar allocation by the New Zealand government to strengthen biosecurity protections.
While there are already a dozen RFID trials underway at farms around the country, there is as yet no centralized, national database to track tagged animals. This according to Ian Corney, chair of the National Animal Identification and Tracing project and a farmer himself. Clearly such a database is necessary for livestock tracking to be effective. "What it means, now, is the traceability database can get built and we can get on with the job," Corney was quoted in reference to the new government funding.
Corney indicated that the tagging will be essentially mandatory but that there will not be new legislation for it. "There are several mechanisms that can be worked around," he said.
The total biosecurity allocation is NZ$23.3 million, or roughly US$19 million. The money for the animal tagging will be a subset of that. In addition to containing the outbreak of disease, predicted benefits from the RFID system include improved livestock management for farmers, as well as the ability to present consumers with more information about where their meat comes from.
Cattle are slated to be tagged first, with deer to follow. Depending on the success of the system, other animals could be tagged after that, including sheep (no small feat given the nation's claim that sheep outnumber people ten-to-one).
Source: http://www.rfidupdate.com/news/06052008.html
Thursday, May 22, 2008
UK NEWS: Muntjac Cull at Bardney's Limewoods
A TWO-DAY deer cull took place in Bardney's Limewoods, including Chambers Farm Wood in early April, the Forestry Commission revealed. It was part of a county wide ongoing operation.
A spokesperson for the Forestry Commission said: “The aim for this species is to create a sustainable and healthy deer population.“
“If left unchecked, increasing deer numbers would cause significant damage to the biodiversity of our woodlands Muntjac deer in particular uproot wildflowers, like bluebells, and over time destroy the flora of ancient woodlands like Chambers.”
Wildlife ranger Malcolm Armstrong said the growing population of deer was endangering certain species of plant in woodland across the county.
He said reports of road accidents involving deer were also increasing.
"There's certain plants that grow in here that deer favour, so when the deer population expands they are going to eat those plants out of existence.”
Mr Armstrong, who is also head of field operations for the Lincolnshire Deer Group, said the cull would be ongoing and carried out by qualified marksmen.
"Shooting is by far the most humane method," he said.
Mr Armstrong said an ongoing cull was also expected to take place next year.
Source: http://tinyurl.com/4n2uq3
A spokesperson for the Forestry Commission said: “The aim for this species is to create a sustainable and healthy deer population.“
“If left unchecked, increasing deer numbers would cause significant damage to the biodiversity of our woodlands Muntjac deer in particular uproot wildflowers, like bluebells, and over time destroy the flora of ancient woodlands like Chambers.”
Wildlife ranger Malcolm Armstrong said the growing population of deer was endangering certain species of plant in woodland across the county.
He said reports of road accidents involving deer were also increasing.
"There's certain plants that grow in here that deer favour, so when the deer population expands they are going to eat those plants out of existence.”
Mr Armstrong, who is also head of field operations for the Lincolnshire Deer Group, said the cull would be ongoing and carried out by qualified marksmen.
"Shooting is by far the most humane method," he said.
Mr Armstrong said an ongoing cull was also expected to take place next year.
Source: http://tinyurl.com/4n2uq3
Wednesday, May 21, 2008
UK NEWS: Muntjac Deer Cull Underway in Lincolnshire
Hundreds of deer will be killed across Lincolnshire in a bid to control the population.
Malcolm Armstrong, a wildlife ranger for the Forestry Commission and head of field operations for the Lincolnshire Deer Group, said the cull would be ongoing and be carried out by qualified marksmen.
He said: "Culls have always happened in the area but deer are becoming more and more prevalent in Lincolnshire."
Around 200 deer are usually killed in Lincolnshire every year in an attempt to manage populations but this year's total may be higher.
A one-off cull in April has already seen the killing of 41 deer.
The small muntjac deer browse on low-lying plant life and have been damaging populations of bluebells and wild orchids.
Mr Armstrong said: "Muntjac really like to eat low ground plants and that really creates a problem with the flora and fauna in some woods.
"If populations get really high then rather than deer being a cute animal that people want to see they can become a pest.
"If the general deer population gets too large then they can start to pick up diseases and we need to strike a balance in management."
Muntjac deer thrive in temperate conditions and have become increasingly common in England due to climatic change and warmer winters.
Any deer killed in the operations will be sold on for human consumption.
To find out more about the cull of Lincolnshire deer, see Wednesday's Echo.
Source: http://tinyurl.com/4yj9nw
Malcolm Armstrong, a wildlife ranger for the Forestry Commission and head of field operations for the Lincolnshire Deer Group, said the cull would be ongoing and be carried out by qualified marksmen.
He said: "Culls have always happened in the area but deer are becoming more and more prevalent in Lincolnshire."
Around 200 deer are usually killed in Lincolnshire every year in an attempt to manage populations but this year's total may be higher.
A one-off cull in April has already seen the killing of 41 deer.
The small muntjac deer browse on low-lying plant life and have been damaging populations of bluebells and wild orchids.
Mr Armstrong said: "Muntjac really like to eat low ground plants and that really creates a problem with the flora and fauna in some woods.
"If populations get really high then rather than deer being a cute animal that people want to see they can become a pest.
"If the general deer population gets too large then they can start to pick up diseases and we need to strike a balance in management."
Muntjac deer thrive in temperate conditions and have become increasingly common in England due to climatic change and warmer winters.
Any deer killed in the operations will be sold on for human consumption.
To find out more about the cull of Lincolnshire deer, see Wednesday's Echo.
Source: http://tinyurl.com/4yj9nw
Tuesday, March 11, 2008
AUSTRALIA NEWS: Population Explosion of Exotic Deer In Snowy Mountains
The National Parks and Wildlife Service says there has been an "explosion" of feral deer numbers in the Snowy Mountains.
Snowy Mountains region area manager, Pam O'Brien, says many of the deer have come over the border from Victoria or been released from farms.
She says the deer can devastate native flora and the parks and wildlife service has set up cameras to monitor them as it works out how to address the problem.
"There's always been deer around in very small numbers and in very small groups, but at the moment we're seeing them throughout the park in all of the different vegetation communities," she said.
"They're even moving higher up in elevation and up above the tree line."
She says remote cameras have been set up in the national park to monitor deer numbers.
"The deer will often be in the timbered areas, but then they'll come out onto private property to graze at night," she said.
"So one of the areas that we're looking for in the near future is working with the Rural Land Protection Board and neighbouring land owners that are having a problem with deer."
Source: http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2008/03/11/2185909.htm
Snowy Mountains region area manager, Pam O'Brien, says many of the deer have come over the border from Victoria or been released from farms.
She says the deer can devastate native flora and the parks and wildlife service has set up cameras to monitor them as it works out how to address the problem.
"There's always been deer around in very small numbers and in very small groups, but at the moment we're seeing them throughout the park in all of the different vegetation communities," she said.
"They're even moving higher up in elevation and up above the tree line."
She says remote cameras have been set up in the national park to monitor deer numbers.
"The deer will often be in the timbered areas, but then they'll come out onto private property to graze at night," she said.
"So one of the areas that we're looking for in the near future is working with the Rural Land Protection Board and neighbouring land owners that are having a problem with deer."
Source: http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2008/03/11/2185909.htm
Monday, March 10, 2008
UK NEWS: MP Outrage Over Deer Cull, Translocation Alternative Encouraged
Nearly 1,200 deer have been culled in Richmond Park in the past six years, figures show.
The revelation has prompted calls for the Royal Parks Agency not to shoot so many of their red and fallow deer as part of the management of the herd and instead relocate the animals.
The number of deer shot has risen from 168 in 2002 to at least 237 in the current cull, which ends on Thursday.
Those which are shot include young animals, elderly beasts and those with imperfections which could lead to birth defects in future generations.
Today, Richmond Park Liberal Democrat MP Susan Kramer said she was shocked by how many deer were being killed. She said: "In my mind I have always thought it was a fairly limited number of elderly deer.
"It would be nice if people could see if there was an alternative, where the deer could be removed or relocated.
"We would all be much more relieved if there was a way of managing this without requiring a major cull."
Sian Berry, the Green candidate for London Mayor, backed the cull but was concerned that carrying it out at night may not be the most humane way to thin out the herd. She said: "It may be done to spare the public the spectacle but it may not be the best way to ensure you target the correct animals and that it is the least cruel and clean way."
The Royal Parks Agency said the aim of the deer culling in Richmond Park was to keep the population at about 650 for "optimum deer welfare". Currently, there are 300 red and 350 fallow deer.
A spokeswoman said: "The current stocking densities have been determined by scientific study and on the advice of experts. If we did not limit the size of the herd then there would not be enough food available for the deer.
"If populations were not controlled then there would be welfare issues with the herd such as low body fat, malnutrition and high incidence of death from exposure to cold in winter."
Rejecting the idea of closing the park for a daytime cull, she added: "The cull is carried out in a humane way by highly-skilled staff with many years of experience."
The spokeswoman said the deer could not be relocated into the wild and tranquilising and moving them would be "stressful" for the animals.
The park's red and fallow population peaked in 1985 at about 1,000 head of deer. A further, 366 deer have been killed in Bushy Park, near Hampton Court, since 2002.
Deer have been kept in London's royal parks since medieval times when they were hunted.
Source: http://tinyurl.com/yuresj
The revelation has prompted calls for the Royal Parks Agency not to shoot so many of their red and fallow deer as part of the management of the herd and instead relocate the animals.
The number of deer shot has risen from 168 in 2002 to at least 237 in the current cull, which ends on Thursday.
Those which are shot include young animals, elderly beasts and those with imperfections which could lead to birth defects in future generations.
Today, Richmond Park Liberal Democrat MP Susan Kramer said she was shocked by how many deer were being killed. She said: "In my mind I have always thought it was a fairly limited number of elderly deer.
"It would be nice if people could see if there was an alternative, where the deer could be removed or relocated.
"We would all be much more relieved if there was a way of managing this without requiring a major cull."
Sian Berry, the Green candidate for London Mayor, backed the cull but was concerned that carrying it out at night may not be the most humane way to thin out the herd. She said: "It may be done to spare the public the spectacle but it may not be the best way to ensure you target the correct animals and that it is the least cruel and clean way."
The Royal Parks Agency said the aim of the deer culling in Richmond Park was to keep the population at about 650 for "optimum deer welfare". Currently, there are 300 red and 350 fallow deer.
A spokeswoman said: "The current stocking densities have been determined by scientific study and on the advice of experts. If we did not limit the size of the herd then there would not be enough food available for the deer.
"If populations were not controlled then there would be welfare issues with the herd such as low body fat, malnutrition and high incidence of death from exposure to cold in winter."
Rejecting the idea of closing the park for a daytime cull, she added: "The cull is carried out in a humane way by highly-skilled staff with many years of experience."
The spokeswoman said the deer could not be relocated into the wild and tranquilising and moving them would be "stressful" for the animals.
The park's red and fallow population peaked in 1985 at about 1,000 head of deer. A further, 366 deer have been killed in Bushy Park, near Hampton Court, since 2002.
Deer have been kept in London's royal parks since medieval times when they were hunted.
Source: http://tinyurl.com/yuresj
Monday, January 21, 2008
UK NEWS: Muntjc Spreading North
A foreign breed of deer which threatens wild flowers has arrived in the North East, say conservationists.
Durham Wildlife Trust said recent sightings of muntjac, a small Oriental deer, near Darlington and Sedgefield were "very worrying".
The species, introduced into southern England in the early 1900s, is known to devour endangered bluebell woodlands.
The trust has now launched a survey in a bid to establish the strength of the population in the area.
Muntjac sightings have also been reported near the A1's Washington services, at a farm in Houghton-le-Spring and in the Tow Law area of Weardale.
Jim Cokill, Director of Durham Wildlife Trust, said: "The problem with the muntjac is that it is an alien species, which was brought over to this country because people thought it made an attractive addition to the English landscape.
Real fears
"But as often happens with such species, they escape or are released and damage the ecological balance of the countryside.
"It happened with the likes of mink, which have devastated the water vole population, and grey squirrels, which are out-competing the now endangered red squirrel, and there are very real fears that it will happen again with muntjac."
Muntjac are small, stocky, russet brown in summer and grey brown in winter, with short antlers and a ginger forehead.
Any sightings should be reported to the trust.
Source: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/england/7199963.stm
Durham Wildlife Trust said recent sightings of muntjac, a small Oriental deer, near Darlington and Sedgefield were "very worrying".
The species, introduced into southern England in the early 1900s, is known to devour endangered bluebell woodlands.
The trust has now launched a survey in a bid to establish the strength of the population in the area.
Muntjac sightings have also been reported near the A1's Washington services, at a farm in Houghton-le-Spring and in the Tow Law area of Weardale.
Jim Cokill, Director of Durham Wildlife Trust, said: "The problem with the muntjac is that it is an alien species, which was brought over to this country because people thought it made an attractive addition to the English landscape.
Real fears
"But as often happens with such species, they escape or are released and damage the ecological balance of the countryside.
"It happened with the likes of mink, which have devastated the water vole population, and grey squirrels, which are out-competing the now endangered red squirrel, and there are very real fears that it will happen again with muntjac."
Muntjac are small, stocky, russet brown in summer and grey brown in winter, with short antlers and a ginger forehead.
Any sightings should be reported to the trust.
Source: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/england/7199963.stm
Monday, December 17, 2007
AUSTRALIA NEWS: Farmers Want Introduced Sambar Deer Declared Pest
East Gippsland farmers in south-east Victoria are continuing their campaign to have sambar deer declared a pest animal.
A scientific committee has recommended to the State Government that the deer be declared a threat to biodiversity under the Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act.
Shooters' organisations want the deer protected so their numbers are maintained for controlled hunting.
The Member for Gippsland East, Craig Ingram, says landholders should be able to kill deer grazing on their properties, and use the carcasses.
"I've copped a bit of criticism from the shooting fraternity, but if they think about this rationally their sport should not be impacting upon the biodiversity in the state forests and national parks and so their game species should not be impacting upon private landholders," he said.
source: http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2007/12/17/2120818.htm
A scientific committee has recommended to the State Government that the deer be declared a threat to biodiversity under the Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act.
Shooters' organisations want the deer protected so their numbers are maintained for controlled hunting.
The Member for Gippsland East, Craig Ingram, says landholders should be able to kill deer grazing on their properties, and use the carcasses.
"I've copped a bit of criticism from the shooting fraternity, but if they think about this rationally their sport should not be impacting upon the biodiversity in the state forests and national parks and so their game species should not be impacting upon private landholders," he said.
source: http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2007/12/17/2120818.htm
Monday, September 17, 2007
NEW ZEALAND NEWS: 200 Fallow Deer Illegally Released
Forest and Bird are concerned about irresponsible behaviour by what they call an extremist element in the hunting community. Spokesman Kevin Hackwell says 200 fallow deer were recently trucked to Taranaki and illegally released, risking the spread of bovine TB on farms in the area.
He says the release of the deer could have a devastating effect on native forest in the nearby Wanganui National Park. Groups of hunters have also recently threatened to kill kiwi in the Tongariro Forest, and planted 1080 poison in public parks near Wellington, killing a pet dog.
Kevin Hackwell says these incidents show a minority of hunters are prepared to put their own interests before all else. He says everyday hunters would likely be appalled by their actions.
Source: http://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/newsdetail1.asp?storyID=124348
He says the release of the deer could have a devastating effect on native forest in the nearby Wanganui National Park. Groups of hunters have also recently threatened to kill kiwi in the Tongariro Forest, and planted 1080 poison in public parks near Wellington, killing a pet dog.
Kevin Hackwell says these incidents show a minority of hunters are prepared to put their own interests before all else. He says everyday hunters would likely be appalled by their actions.
Source: http://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/newsdetail1.asp?storyID=124348
Tuesday, April 17, 2007
NEW ZEALAND NEWS: Cull on Secretary Island Nets Over 340 Red Deer
The Department of Conservation has culled more than 340 red deer off the 8140ha Secretary Island in Fiordland since November as part of an ambitious plan to eradicate the species and create another predator-free sanctuary.
In its proposal document, DOC says it also plans to test and develop methods for "intensive control of deer" during the eradication.
Secretary Island is off the Fiordland coast at the entrance to Doubtful Sound.
In 2004 Conservation Minister Chris Carter granted $7 million for the pest eradication work on 8140ha Secretary Island and 20,860ha Resolution Island, in Dusky Sound. An earlier attempt to eradicate deer, during the 1970s and 1980s, was unsuccessful. The first stage, a stoat eradication project for Secretary Island, was initiated in 2004-05.
DOC project manager Dr Kerri-Anne Edge said 341 deer had been shot from the air and ground-hunted since November – representing a significant denting of the deer population.
DOC estimated there had been a total population of between 600 and 700 deer on the island but the species was also breeding rapidly.
The eradication of red deer from Secretary Island is designed to protect the ecological values of the island, and to test and develop "methods for intensive control of deer" , DOC says.
Main methods being tried during the knock-down phase will be ground hunting, helicopter hunting and possibly the use of foliar baited 1080 gel as a promising option. Aerial 1080 drops have been discounted.
Ms Edge said deer pens were being put on the island and self-attaching radio collars would be used to help track deer. The work would continue into next year, she said.
To have the two islands free of all pests would add to a list of important island sanctuaries, including 1336ha Codfish, 1150ha Anchor and 475ha Chalky islands. The island projects are expected to be complete by about 2014. Work on eradicating deer from Resolution Island would start in July, she said.
Source: http://www.stuff.co.nz/stuff/southlandtimes/4027345a6568.html
In its proposal document, DOC says it also plans to test and develop methods for "intensive control of deer" during the eradication.
Secretary Island is off the Fiordland coast at the entrance to Doubtful Sound.
In 2004 Conservation Minister Chris Carter granted $7 million for the pest eradication work on 8140ha Secretary Island and 20,860ha Resolution Island, in Dusky Sound. An earlier attempt to eradicate deer, during the 1970s and 1980s, was unsuccessful. The first stage, a stoat eradication project for Secretary Island, was initiated in 2004-05.
DOC project manager Dr Kerri-Anne Edge said 341 deer had been shot from the air and ground-hunted since November – representing a significant denting of the deer population.
DOC estimated there had been a total population of between 600 and 700 deer on the island but the species was also breeding rapidly.
The eradication of red deer from Secretary Island is designed to protect the ecological values of the island, and to test and develop "methods for intensive control of deer" , DOC says.
Main methods being tried during the knock-down phase will be ground hunting, helicopter hunting and possibly the use of foliar baited 1080 gel as a promising option. Aerial 1080 drops have been discounted.
Ms Edge said deer pens were being put on the island and self-attaching radio collars would be used to help track deer. The work would continue into next year, she said.
To have the two islands free of all pests would add to a list of important island sanctuaries, including 1336ha Codfish, 1150ha Anchor and 475ha Chalky islands. The island projects are expected to be complete by about 2014. Work on eradicating deer from Resolution Island would start in July, she said.
Source: http://www.stuff.co.nz/stuff/southlandtimes/4027345a6568.html
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