Deer are not native to Australia; they are an introduced species, meaning they were brought to the continent by humans. Their presence is a result of deliberate introductions and, more recently, escapes from farmed populations. In Australia, they are considered an invasive species.
History of Deer in Australia
Deer were first introduced to Australia in the early 19th century. European settlers and various acclimatisation societies were largely responsible for bringing these animals to the continent. Their primary reasons were for recreational hunting and to enhance the perceived aesthetic appeal of the Australian landscape.
Over the decades, many species were released into the wild, with some initial populations stemming from private estates and early deer farms. More recently, particularly from the 1990s onwards, escapes from commercial deer farms have contributed to the expansion of wild deer populations across Australia.
Deer Species Found in Australia
Six main species of deer have established self-sustaining wild populations across Australia: Fallow, Red, Chital, Hog, Rusa, and Sambar deer. Each species possesses distinct characteristics and inhabits specific regions, though their ranges continue to expand.
Fallow deer are among the most widespread, recognized by their varied coat colours and palmate antlers. Red deer are mid-sized and adaptable, with populations thriving in Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria, and South Australia. Chital deer, also known as Axis or Spotted deer, have a light to dark brown coat adorned with permanent white spots.
Hog deer are the smallest of the established species, primarily found in coastal areas of Victoria and New South Wales. Rusa deer are medium to large, with males possessing lyre-like antlers, established in Queensland, New South Wales, and South Australia. Sambar deer are the largest species, characterized by their uniformly dark brown coat and large rounded ears, with well-established populations throughout Victoria, New South Wales, South Australia, and the Northern Territory.
Environmental Effects of Deer
The presence of deer in Australia, as a non-native species, presents significant challenges to the continent’s unique ecosystems. Australian environments did not evolve with large, hard-hoofed grazing animals, making them particularly vulnerable to deer impacts. Deer cause extensive damage through grazing, browsing, and trampling activities. They consume native plants, destroy saplings, and can ring-bark mature trees by rubbing their antlers. This impact extends to post-bushfire recovery efforts, as deer hinder revegetation by eating new growth.
Their hard hooves disturb soil, leading to increased erosion, particularly in sensitive areas like creek and river systems. The creation of “wallows”—muddy depressions where deer roll—also degrades soil and can foul waterways with urine and faeces, impacting water quality. Deer also spread invasive weeds, carrying seeds on their coats or in their digestive systems, outcompeting native flora.
Competition for food resources is another significant concern, as deer compete with native herbivores like kangaroos and wallabies. Beyond environmental degradation, deer inflict significant economic costs on agricultural industries, damaging crops, pastures, forestry saplings, and farm infrastructure, leading to millions of dollars in losses annually. Deer also pose risks as potential carriers of diseases and parasites that could affect livestock, such as foot and mouth disease. Their increasing presence in peri-urban areas contributes to vehicle collisions and damage to residential gardens and parks. Due to these widespread consequences, deer are widely classified as a pest species in Australia, necessitating ongoing management and control efforts.