Deer Overrun: A Critical Examination of Hoofed Animals' Impact on New Zealand
Red Deer are a major conservation threat in New Zealand
Silent Invaders: The Unchecked Spread of Hoofed Animals in NZ Conservation Lands
Did you know that the most significant challenge to wildlife biodiversity management in New Zealand stems from hoofed animals? These include deer, pigs, goats, tahr, and chamois. In recent years, their unchecked spread across conservation land has become noticeable, primarily due to insufficient control measures. While the importance of controlling these species, especially deer, might not be immediately apparent, a rampant deer population can lead to significant issues.
One major concern is that deer feed on the new shoots of the forest understory. Over two to three decades, this activity can hinder forest regeneration and, on a larger scale, result in forest and ecosystem collapse. The Hollyford Valley Trust recently raised concerns about the future health of the valley due to deer, especially troubling as the Hollyford has been held up as an example of pristine preserved backcountry.
South Westland is one of a number of locations suffering from deer over population
Forestry Under Siege: Deer Feeding Habits and the Threat to Ecosystem Stability
In addition to their impact on forests, deer's earth-compacting movement makes it impossible for young Kiwi to feed, especially in summer. They also strip alpine meadows, crucial habitats for Takahe survival, taking up to twenty years to recover. Deer browsing has destroyed significant portions of the last Fiordland Kakapo habitat. In the North Island, deer movement is linked to the spread of Kauri dieback, which is decimating native forests.
The severity of the deer problem is alarming. Recent studies indicate that almost one hundred percent of conservation land and two-thirds of primary production land in New Zealand are under invasion from hooved animals. Personal observations in central Otago reveal a drastic increase in wild deer populations, with a culling operation shooting 1500 in the same area last year. Despite these efforts, deer remain common, highlighting the urgent need for comprehensive, coordinated control measures.
Almost one hundred percent of conservation land contains hoofed animals
Deer Dilemma: Impact on Native Species and Conservation Land Health
Deer, introduced as a non-native species in the 1860s-1920s, found a hospitable environment in New Zealand with no natural predators and limited competition for resources. Until the 1930s, they were largely protected, reaching plague proportions in some places. The introduction of helicopters in the 1960s marked a decline in deer numbers, leading to the 'Deer Wars' in the 60s, 70s, and 80s. However, in the last forty years, despite hunter efforts, deer have made a comeback, reaching plague proportions again.
The question now is whether new technology can provide a solution, much like it did sixty years ago during the 'Deer Wars.' The urgency of addressing the deer problem in New Zealand is critical to preserving the country's unique biodiversity.
New Zealand has hard decision ahead as deer numbers expand again
Facing the Reality: Urgent Conversations on Hoofed Animal Management in NZ
One of the challenges of tackling the topic of deer is that we, as a nation, don’t have a consensus on what constitutes a pest. A contentious issue is the role we, as a nation, see deer playing. A key concern is that hunters often view deer as a resource, while others perceive them as pests.
Most hunters agree that deer, particularly in our backcountry, are getting out of control. The main point of contention is what good management should look like. 1080 drops, which often kill deer, bring this conversation to the forefront. Some argue that deer kept at low numbers still provide a resource and don’t threaten our native species.
I do appreciate that, like much of this topic, there is nuance. I grew up in a hunting family, and it’s something I still love doing. A predator-free 2050 future calls for Takahe and Kakapo to return to our Alpine regions again. Presently, that future seems threatened by what even a small number of deer could do to their habitat.
Despite our love of hunting, modern New Zealand is in desperate need of a hard conversation around whether we can sustain both a predator-free 2050 vision and deer in Aotearoa. My personal belief is that we cannot have both.
The best conversations are often the hardest to have
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