Tasmania’s Walls of Jerusalem National Park has reopened after a successful helicopter deer eradication program, with over 1,000 deer culled in the last month.
The aerial deer control operation ran for 40 days and covered 110,000 hectares within the park and surrounding conservation areas.
Tasmanian Minister for Parks and Environment Nick Duigan said the program was necessary to protect the area’s high conservation value.
“Removing deer from these areas is critical to avoid damaging our World Heritage Area,” he said.
“This vital work protects the values of the TWWHA and our national parks to maintain those areas which are loved by Tasmanians and visitors and make Tasmania so special.”
During the latest operation, 306 deer were culled over 19 days, adding to the 711 deer removed during a similar operation last year.
The total number of deer eradicated was higher than the initial population estimate, which aligns with experience in other jurisdictions that have undertaken similar projects.
“Highly trained” markspeople used thermal assisted cameras which enable more accurate detection and identification of deer in the landscape.
Adrian Pickin from the Shooters, Fishers and Farmers party was against the cull, believing it could have been more cost-effective and posed fewer animal welfare issues by employing a team of recreational shooters on the ground.
“We remain opposed due to under utilisation of ground hunters and the terrible waste of venison which should be utilised for aid charities helping families struggling with the cost of living. Its also important to note that carcasses under biosecurity rules states should be buried or burnt, not left to rot,” he told Pulse.
Veterinarians involved in the program indicated that the lead free ammunition used this year was effective, had less impact on the environment and met all animal welfare requirements.
Under the Tasmanian Wild Fallow Deer Management Plan, the broad management objective for the zone encompassing the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area is ‘no deer’.
