The Walls of Jerusalem National Park will reopen on June 4 after the first phase of the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area Deer Control Project wraps up.
Wild fallow deer are a threat to the natural values of the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area, as they damage soils, waterways and sensitive vegetation.
Tasmanian Minister for Parks, Roger Jaensch, thanked the Tasmania Parks and Wildlife Service staff involved in conducting aerial shooting operations in the Walls of Jerusalem National Park and surrounding conservation areas.
“During the operation, 711 deer were culled over a 21-day period, with a total 72 hours of flight time, mostly in areas inaccessible for on-ground operations,” Minister Jaensch said.
“The area was closed to the public during the operation, which occurred across 110,000 hectares within the Walls of Jerusalem National Park and surrounding conservation areas.”
The number of deer destroyed was higher than the initial population estimate, which aligns with experience in other jurisdictions that have undertaken similar projects.
Independent veterinarians involved in the program have indicated animal welfare requirements were met.
Federal Minister for Environment and Water, Tanya Plibersek said the project to control deer in the Walls of Jerusalem National Park is vital for the future of one of Australia’s most precious places.
“The Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area is one of the largest conservation reserves in Australia and it is home to some of our most iconic native species including the platypus and the Tasmanian devil,” Minister Plibersek said.
“Unfortunately, feral deer are damaging fragile ecosystems in the Walls of Jerusalem National Park.
“In partnership with the Tasmanian Government, we are taking action to protect and maintain this area for future generations.”
Under the Tasmanian Wild Fallow Deer Management Plan, which sets the policy direction to manage deer for the period 2022 to 2027, the broad management objective for the zone encompassing the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area is ‘no deer’.
The project is funded through a $400,000 Australian Heritage Grant and is being delivered over two years with another field operation planned for May 2024.
More information about the project, including a full list of track and road closures, is available on the Parks website.