Deer in Greater Sydney
Deer in Greater Sydney
An information event for Landcarers, Councils and Property owners
Stronger Together -
MEPAAW‐GS‐03
The issue
Deer are on the move across Greater Sydney. They are the least studied mammal species in Australia and it is essential that we monitor and correctly identify different deer species in order to manage and reduce the impacts they are having. Cumberland Land Conservancy (a not for profit charity and Landcare group), Greater Sydney Local Land Services and Greater Sydney Landcare Network recognised the need for more education for Landcarers, councils and property owners on deer identification, biology, the impacts they are causing, legislation, control and monitoring.
The solution
Cumberland Land Conservancy successfully applied for a Managing Established Pest Animals and Weeds Project Landcare Component (MEPAAW) grant to deliver a free deer information event for Landcarers, councils and property owners and to develop and print a Greater Sydney Deer Identification Guide in cooperation with Greater Sydney Local Land Services.
The impact
Experts from the Department of Primary Industries (Peter West), Greater Sydney Local Land Services (Lee Parker), private Industry (pestlures ,Mark Lamb) and Cumberland Land conservancy (Linda Brown) delivered and information packed event. Peter West educated attendees about deer monitoring and the use of FeralScan. Lee Parker talked about the impact deer are having, the legislation behind their control and the role that Greater Sydney Local Land Services play in deer monitoring and control. Mark Lamb gave a great insight into deer biology and identification. Apart from his informative presentation he thought the attendees hands on in deer identification with the help of antler samples, hoof prints and scat samples. Linda Brown launched the Greater Sydney Deer Identification Guide, presented about Cumberland Land Conservancy’s approach to deer control and gave a short insight into WeedWise.
A total of 36 event attendees were educated about deer in Greater Sydney. Event attendees came from local councils, conservation organisations, Landcare groups, aboriginal culture groups, TAFE, property owners and government. The feedback was very positive with attendees finding the event very informative. 100% of feedback responders said their confidence to undertake invasive species management increased and 92% said their knowledge of invasive species management has improved.
100 copies of the Greater Sydney Deer Identification Guide were handed out on the day and a further 900 will be distributed.
Key facts
- 36 members educated
- Local councils, conservation organisations, Landcare groups, aboriginal culture groups, TAFE, property owners and government represented
- Education resource developed and distributed (Greater Sydney Deer Identification Guide)