Sambar Deer listed as threat

THE Department of Sustainability and Environment (DSE) has listed Sambar Deer as a threat to biodiversity.
The deer, which is widespread in the Eastern Highlands, from the mid-Yarra Valley to the ACT, has been identified as having a negative impact on native plants and ecosystems.
Environment Minister Gavin Jennings said while the deer was highly prized by hunters its feeding habits and behaviour was threatening native plants and wildlife.
“The Sambar Deer is widely recognised as a valuable game species but it is appropriate to review its management in light of the latest scientific information about the deer’s impact on the environment,” Mr Jennings said.
He said the deer, by eating certain kinds of rare and threatened plants, and in particular seedlings, fruit or seeds of those plants, had caused the plants to become rarer and more endangered.
Adult male deer also caused damage to plants in the process of ridding their heavy antlers of “velvet”, and by marking their territory which sometimes ringbarked trees.
The DSE in consultation with hunters, botanical interest groups and other community members would develop a plan to manage the impact of the deer.
Mr Jennings said the listing would not change the status of the Sambar Deer as a game species and people would still be able to hunt in line with existing regulations.
He said hunters could play a valuable role in controlling deer numbers and in monitoring the effectiveness of control activities.