Although there are six species of Feral Deer residing in Australia, two main species; Sambar and Fallow, are of main concern to the Cardinia Creek catchment and it's surrounds.
The following information has been generously supplied by FeralScan - www.feralscan.org.au
and it's contributors referenced below.
The following information has been generously supplied by FeralScan - www.feralscan.org.au
and it's contributors referenced below.
Sambar - Cervus unicolor
Origin - Indian subcontinent and South-east Asia Distinctive characteristics - Prominent large rounded ears. Very large body size compared with other feral deer species. Identification - Sambar are Australia’s largest feral deer species. Males may grow to 2.4m long and weigh 300kg, and females may grow to 2.4m long and weigh 230kg. Their coat is coarse and uniform in colour that varies from red-brown to almost black, but predominately dark brown. The tail is black with the under-tail and inner sides of the legs paler in colour. When alarmed the tail is raised. The hair around the neck is coarse and mane-like, particularly on mature males. The antlers of mature males usually have three tines, however the number of tines is influenced by animal condition. Antlers may grow up to 75cm in length. They have a distinctive honking/ barking calls when alarmed. Biology and History - Sambar were introduced into Australia many times between 1861 and 1912. They are often regarded as solitary animals and are almost never found in herds. They are herbivores that graze a wide range of grasses, shrubs and trees, depending on the season and food availability. They are semi-nocturnal preferring to remain hidden during the day. They can breed throughout the year, with a peak in September and October. Sambar can hybridise with rusa and produce fertile offspring. They can also easily swim with their bodies fully submerged and only their head above water. Distribution - Feral populations of sambar are established in South Australia, Victoria and NSW. They are absent from other states. Habitat - Prefer closed woodlands, forests and thick timbered farmland. Damage - Feral sambar are a growing pest threat. They can cause damage to forestry plantations, ornamental gardens and can damage farm fences/gates. They can compete with livestock for pasture, are a major motorway hazard due to the size and semi-nocturnal behaviour. They also damage native vegetation and sensitive habitats. Control options - Control options for sambar deer are similar to other species, including ground and aerial shooting, trapping and exclusion fencing. Source - West, P (2018) Guide to introduced pest animals of Australia. CSIRO Publishing, Melbourne |
Fallow -Dama dama
Origin - Turkey Distinctive characteristics - Mature males have wide flattened antlers. The tail flicks constantly while feeding. They have white heart-shaped markings on the rump. Identification- Fallow deer are a medium-sized deer species, with a highly variable coat colour. Their coat is predominantly fawn with some white spotting, or dark brown. The tail is black on top and white underneath, surrounded by a pale rump patch with a black outline. The tail is raised when alarmed. The upper portions of mature male antlers are flattened with numerous points. Adult bucks (males) stand around 90-95 cm at the shoulder and weigh 50-97 kg. Adult does (females) stand around 80-83 cm at the shoulder and weigh 35-55 kg. Males have a brush-like penile sheath, and a prominent 'Adam's Apple'. This species is often seen in large groups. Scats are stubby pellets, sometimes with a point at one end. The calls vary from high pitched bleating to deep grunts. They exhibit a long tail. As with all other deer species in Australia, females lack antlers. Biology and History - Fallow deer were introduced to Tasmania in the 1830's and mainland Australia around the 1880's. They are herbivores that browse on grasses, herbs and shrubs. Their social behaviour is variable - sometimes remaining solitary and at other times forming herds of up to 30 individuals. Adult males may join small bachelor groups. During the autumn mating season, males may establish and defend small territories. Females usually produce one fawn after an 8 month gestation period. The size of a buck’s antlers will increase until around 11 years old when he passes out of his prime and antler size starts decreasing. Distribution - Fallow deer are the most widespread and established of the feral deer species in Australia. They occur in Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria, Tasmania and South Australia. Habitat - Fallow deer are often found in cleared or open grassy areas, open woodlands, forests and scattered timber farmland. They may be seen in mountainous areas through to cleared open farmland. Damage - Feral fallow deer are a growing pest problem. They can cause significant damage to native vegetation and ecologically fragile areas, and can spread weeds. They can cause browsing damage to ornamental gardens, forestry plantations and can be a motorway hazard. They have been reported damaging farm fences and disturbing domestic sheep during lambing. Fallow deer can form large herds and their total grazing pressure can be significant. They may also carry and spread livestock diseases that can impact on farm productivity and management costs. Control options - Techniques used to control feral fallow deer may include aerial and ground shooting, exclusion fencing, and trapping / yarding. In some circumstances, sprays and sonic repellents may be used to deter animals, but the effectiveness of such techniques is not entirely clear. Source - West, P (2018) Guide to introduced pest animals of Australia. CSIRO Publishing, Melbourne. |
Pictures from left to right:
1. Female Sambar taken by Charles J. Sharp https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sambar_deer 21.03.2019
2. Male Sambar taken by Charles J. Sharp https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sambar_deer 21.03.2019
3. Female Fallow https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fallow_deer 21.03.2019
4. Male Fallow taken by Johann Nikolaus-Andreae https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fallow_deer 21.03.2019
1. Female Sambar taken by Charles J. Sharp https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sambar_deer 21.03.2019
2. Male Sambar taken by Charles J. Sharp https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sambar_deer 21.03.2019
3. Female Fallow https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fallow_deer 21.03.2019
4. Male Fallow taken by Johann Nikolaus-Andreae https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fallow_deer 21.03.2019
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