Jordan Crook, from the Victorian National Parks Association, emphasized the urgency of recognizing feral deer as pests, claiming their unchecked populations threaten agriculture and critical habitats throughout Victoria. He pointed out that by aligning their status with that of other pests like foxes and rabbits, it would simplify management efforts. Crook also mentioned the harmful impacts on threatened species' habitats, calling for effective control measures and potentially eradication to safeguard the environment.
Dr. Alex Maisey, an ecologist at La Trobe University, provided alarming insights into how feral deer are damaging temperate rainforests. He noted places like Sherbrooke Forest suffer significant ecological harm, where visitors once flocked to enjoy the local wildlife, like lyrebirds. Maisey described the tragic deterioration of the vibrant Monbulk Creek, which formerly boasted clear, pristine waters amidst lush vegetation, highlighting the need for urgent action against deer infestations to preserve these ecosystems.
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