In 1980, there were about 50,000 feral deer in Australia and by 2002 the population was estimated to have grown to 200,000. Now, the population is likely to have reached more than 2 million.
Saying it’ll be the “next rabbit” etc.
Knew we had them, never knew they were becoming such a huge pest.
The other issue in Victoria is that we had High Country grazing for decades. This changed the environment which resulted in former bushland becoming grassland.
When High Country Grazing was banned, these grasslands were perfect for other feral grazing animals, such as deer.
Then deer culling was restricted…
Now we have major feral deer problems.