The containment zones will split parts of the country into four areas. Those in the orange zone have been deemed the biggest threat – this includes large parts of Victoria, NSW and parts of Queensland – and will be eradicated.

Loading

In some areas, tree guards might be installed around threatened plants where culling is not effective. In other cases, sound or light deterrents may be used.

The green zone will aim to prevent deer from spreading to these areas, and managing the populations that have established themselves. Management in these areas will be co-ordinated under a national program and facilitated by a co-ordinator, and with local and state initiatives and agencies. The black zone marks areas where deer are of no concern.

Peter Jacobs, Invasive Species Council officer in Victoria said deer in his state and Tasmania were still legally protected as a game animal, reflecting an outdated attitude to a serious invasive species.

Federal Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Minister Murray Watt said the federal government had invested $5 million in deer control projects.

Loading

Environment and Water Minister Tanya Plibersek said deer was the next rabbit of Australia’s feral species. “Feral deer do enormous damage to our native wildlife and precious places – they kill threatened species and damage critical habitat,” she said. “Our government is committed to protecting our precious species and leaving nature better off for our kids and grandkids.”

A guide to the environment, what’s happening to it, what’s being done about it and what it means for the future. Sign up to our fortnightly Clear Air newsletter here.