The Centre for Compassionate Conservation – University of Technology Sydney has recently published a study titled ‘A systematic review and meta-analysis of the ecological effects of Australian deer.’ This exciting new research was funded by the Blond Bay Hog Deer Advisory Group, the Australian Deer Association, and the Sporting Shooters Association of Australia (Victoria).
This review builds upon the previous research, funded by the Australian Deer Association, which explored The Ecological Separation of Deer and Domestic, Feral, and Native Mammals in tropical northern Australia and was published in 2024.
The latest review conducted a comprehensive review of claims regarding the ecological impacts of introduced deer in Australia and examined the empirical evidence supporting these claims. The review transparently reported on the empirical evidence regarding the effects of deer and other constituents and functions of the Australian Ecosystems.
The review also sought to understand whether the effects of Australian deer are related to their nativeness per se or whether they are similar to those of other herbivores, regardless of their nativeness.
Reviews like these are crucial for the ongoing management of wild deer in Australia. As is often the case, rhetoric and misinformation are used to perpetuate a cultural bias held by a vocal minority.
Some of the key findings made by the review are:
- In general, robust, empirical evidence on the ecological interactions and effects of the six wild deer species in Australia is sparse
- The effects of Australian deer do not appear to be different from those of Australian native herbivores
- It does not appear that one could empirically determine whether Australian Deer are native or introduced from their effects on the ecosystems.
- Impacts deer have on plant communities were ubiquitous in Australia for ~35 million years.
- There is a lack of empirical evidence to support the claim that Australian deer represent a biosecurity threat due to their potential for hosting exotic diseases that risk transmissions to livestock, wildlife, or humans.
- The review identified significant differences between claims of ecological effects and existing empirical evidence on Australian deer.
While none of these may come as a surprise to those with an interest in deer, it is essential that we begin to compile a catalogue of scientific evidence demonstrating this. As the deer people, we will also be the most dedicated to understanding wild deer in Australia, and helping to fill the vast knowledge gaps by undertaking such research is vital.
We are now able to drive conversations further in a more positive direction, building on the findings of this research. While some change won’t be instant, we will continue to drive it step by step.
There are already plans for research to come from this study, which we will be excited to share with you when it is completed.
From little things, big things grow, and thanks to your support, we will continue to champion more research and work with others within our industry who share the same aspirations and goals.
The report can be read: https://doi.org/10.71741/4pyxmbnjaq.28537109.v3
“The effects of Australian deer do not appear to be different from those of Australian native herbivores.”
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