Priority invasive animals - feral deer

Feral deer are an invasive species that damage ecosystems, agriculture and infrastructure. They compete with native wildlife, destroy crops and pose serious road safety risks.

Prevention species

Prevention species are not currently found on the Sunshine Coast. If these species became established, they could result in significant impacts. It is important for land managers to prevent the entry and establishment of these species.

Feral Chital deer (Axis axis)
Hog deer (Axis porcinus)
Sambar deer (Rusa unicolor, syn. Cervus unicolor)

Eradication species

Eradication species are present in low numbers and found in only a few locations on the Sunshine Coast. However, if they spread further, they will cause significant impacts. Elimination of these species is achievable for land managers.

Feral Fallow deer (Dama dama)

Containment species

Containment species are found in parts of the Sunshine Coast but not everywhere. Where they do occur, they cause notable impacts. Land managers should reduce the impact of these species and stop their spread across the landscape.

Feral Red deer (Cervus elaphus)
Feral Rusa deer (Rusa timorensis syn. Cervus timorensis)

Why Feral deer are a problem

Overgraze native vegetation and farmland.
Degrade soil, spread weeds and disease.
Cause collisions on roads, endangering motorists.
Impact biodiversity and waterway health.

Services available

Sunshine Coast Council provides practical support for landholders and communities.

Onsite property assessments and advice on protecting against feral deer.
Coordination of community control programs for effective, large-scale management.

Council programs protecting against Feral deer

Feral deer program – proactive, targeted control and monitoring.

Mary River Turtle protection program – for residents in the Mary River catchment, reducing impacts from feral deer on sensitive habitats.

How you can help

Report deer sightings or damage to Council.
Participate in Council control programs.
Never release deer into the wild–it's illegal under Queensland's Biosecurity Act 2014.
Public awareness: Educate friends, family and neighbours about the risks of feral deer.