Read the below fact sheet on feral deer to complete your table
fs-feral-deer.pdf | |
File Size: | 808 kb |
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Background
Eighteen deer species were introduced to Australia in the 1800's. Of these, six species including the rusa deer, formed viable wild populations and are still present in New South Wales, Torres Strait and the Northern Territory. Within the Northern Territory, rusa deer are currently located on Groote Eylandt and other smaller islands in the Gulf of Carpentaria. Sambar deer are currently located on the Coburg Peninsula and in Western Arnhem Land. Feeding Rusa deer will eat almost any vegetation including grasses, herbs and aquatic plants such as certain seaweeds. Sambar deer will eat almost any vegetation including eucalyptus leaves and prickly plants, as well as grasses, herbs and aquatic plants. Impacts Introduced deer are thought to negatively impact native vegetation as a result of overgrazing, browsing, trampling, ring-barking, and dispersing weeds. Other potential impacts include erosion of waterways and decreased water quality. However, very little is known about the specific impacts of rusa or samba deer within Australia. In other locations rusa and samba deer are known to compete with native species, with likely negative impacts on native species in these areas. (Source: http://www.parksandwildlife.nt.gov.au/) |