THE issue of feral animals came into focus during the lead up to the July meeting of the Combined Probus Club of Whittlesea.
Johannes Wenzel, Chair, Victorian Deer Control Community Network, had been engaged to make a presentation about Feral Deer and the impact on the environment, farming, and the public in general.
Coincidentally, that week in Flowerdale Plenty Valley Produce suffered a total loss of organic vegetables when feral deer invaded the property. Over just three nights, deer ventured from public land onto the farm, stripping paddocks of valuable crops to the value of $100,000.
Feral deer are emerging as one of Australia’s most serious environmental and agricultural threats and Victoria has possibly the largest deer population in Australia, estimated at more than a million animals.
The deer population is expanding rapidly and invading new areas. With a lack of predators, occurrence in vast and remote areas and great habitat flexibility, deer are set to become one of Victoria’s, and ultimately Australia’s, most damaging pest animal invaders.
The Victorian Deer Control Community Network (VDCCN) was established in 2021 to provide a platform for state-wide collaboration of all groups and individuals over matters related to reducing the impact of feral deer. The VDCCN encourages people and organizations to join and contribute to the network, and the only prerequisite is being interested in reducing the impact of feral deer.
Mr Wenzel’s presentation to Probus was enlightening yet concerning. Mr Wenzel who lives at Belgrave South said that in 2010 he noted a small deer in one of his paddocks which in the next five years became a herd.
Neighbours and residents in the adjoining localities were also under attack and in 2020 formed Cardinia Deer Management Coalition to address the several issues arising. Melbourne Water’s Cardinia Reservoir was found to be a refuge for deer as the surrounding land is fenced and not accessible to the general public.
Local councils became aware of the environmental impact that feral deer were and would have in the future and joined the Coalition.
Mr Wenzel suggested that by 2051 the costs of loss and damage attributable to feral deer will rise to $2.1 billion. Instanced was the high cost that pine plantations incur due to deer destroying young saplings. Forty per cent of new plantings get destroyed.
The introduction of deer is an example of early settlers wanting bring a little bit of home with them.
The first imports were in 1860 and until 1900 they were protected and allowed to expand uncontrolled. In the 1940s Deer were allowed to be hunted and in 1975 became a “game species”.
A number of the members attending had personal involvement with feral deer and contributed to the discussion.
The aims of Probus are Fun and Friendship in Retirement. Make new friends, listen to interesting guest speakers, learn a new skill, and explore new interests and hobbies. Contact whittleseaprobus@hotmail.com or phone 0427 021 592