Feral deer

Feral deer have establised wild populations throughout Queensland. This is a result of deliberate release, through deer escaping captivity or natural spread from previously established populations. Any deer not kept in a deer-proof enclosure is considered to be feral.

Three species of feral deer are known to occur on the Sunshine Coast. These are:

• fallow deer (Dama dama)
• red deer (Cervus elaphus) and
• rusa deer (Cervus timorensis).

Chital deer (Axis axis) and hog deer (Axis porcinus) are known to occur in neighbouring local government areas. They have not yet established populations on the Sunshine Coast. 

All five feral deer species are restricted invasive animals under the Biosecurity Act. All five are identified as priority invasive animals in our Biosecurity Plan.

Where they live

Feral deer are known to occur in all areas (urban, peri-urban and rural) of the Mary River and Stanley River catchments. Low incidences of deer have been confirmed in the Mooloolah River, Maroochy River and Pumicestone Passage catchments.

They inhabit semi-open forest, scrubland and woodland areas. They graze on pastures and open grassy areas close to cover. Rusa deer have been recorded in front yards and urban streets.

Problems caused by feral deer

Feral deer are a threat to road users and have the potential to cause serious traffic accidents due to their size and preference for night time movement.

They also compete with native wildlife for resources, spread weeds and cause degradation of natural habitat areas.

Feral deer can cause damage to pastures and crops and compete with livestock for food. They also pose a threat to livestock through the spread of diseases.

Identifying feral deer

• Red deer
• Fallow deer
• Rusa deer
• Chital deer
• Hog deer

Protecting against feral deer

Under the act all Queenslanders have a general biosecurity obligation (GBO). This GBO requires everyone to manage biosecurity risks under their control.

Our Biosecurity Plan specifies a management objective for each of the priority animal species.

For the deer species threatening the Sunshine Coast this is:

• Prevention (chital deer and hog deer )
• Eradication (fallow deer)
• Containment (red deer and rusa deer).

Reasonable and practical measures to achieve each management objective are detailed in our plan .  Council provides services to assist the community and land managers to achieve this (and to meet their GBO).

To learn about Council’s programs or to get help to protect your place, visit the managing invasive animals webpage.

Further information

View the:

• Feral deer fact sheet  
• Feral deer control handbook 

Related content

• Feral deer program
• Mary River turtle protection program
• Get help to protect your place