Aerial surveying for the Tasmanian deer census has started

A vital part of Tasmania’s feral deer census has started as part of a program to tackle the problem.

Fallow deer returning to the hills after grazing in the fields of a Tasmanian Midlands farm.

A PROGRAM to find out just how big Tasmania’s feral deer population is finally underway with a crucial a first step today.

Aerial surveying to help estimate the population and distribution of wild fallow deer in Tasmania has started as part of the statewide deer census.

The census is part of the State Government’s response to the Legislative Council Inquiry into wild fallow deer in Tasmania.

FEARS FERAL DEER ARE CLOSING IN ON HOBART’S CBD

The surveying will be carried out by EcoKnowledge, which was chosen through a public tender process.

It will cover a mix of private and public land where the wild deer are thought to be most abundant and will continue until October 3 if weather permits.

The Department of Primary Industries says the survey has been planned to minimise disturbance to livestock and, where possible, flying over houses will be avoided.

Information has been provided to stakeholders about the survey and precautions the survey team will take to avoid any distress to livestock.

Flying will also be performed in accordance with aviation regulatory requirements

Because the area being surveyed for deer also includes most of the forester kangaroo population area, teh department said it is also taking the opportunity to survey their numbers at the same time.

The aim of the aerial survey work is to provide a baseline population estimate and distribution that will assist in the long-term management and preservation of the species.

Surveying work will be carried out from a helicopter flying at 90km/h at a height of 60m along a series of survey lines about 10km apart.

The survey will use a combination of thermal imaging and distance sampling by aerial observers to estimate the wild fallow deer population and the population’s geographic distribution.

This information will also be combined with camera trapping and citizen science methodologies.

The survey will also provide development opportunities for Game Services Tasmania staff to further develop skills in survey methods, logistics, and data collection and analysis.

Originally published as Aerial surveying for the Tasmanian deer census has started