Fallow deer can reduce livestock numbers by up to 50% when competing for scarce food

Embargoed until: Publicly released: 2023-07-31 00:01

Australia; VIC

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Fallow deer compete with livestock for scarce food resources during times of low rainfall, reducing the potential number of animals that a farm can sustain by over 50% according to Aussie researchers. The researchers say reducing the deer population by 26% provided a 22% increase in livestock numbers. The team suggest helicopter-based shooting as a potential control measure for fallow deer.