Red deer populations threaten Fiordland forest collapse
Conservationists warn that rising numbers of red deer in Fiordland National Park risk destroying the forest despite ongoing hunting efforts.
Red deer populations in Fiordland National Park are at levels that pose a serious risk to the forest ecosystem. Hunters are actively culling the deer, but their numbers continue to rise. Conservationists are concerned that without further intervention, the forest could collapse under the pressure from the growing deer population.
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Otago Daily Times
Big read: How deer are destroying Fiordland's forest
Rampant red deer in Fiordland National Park are being shot by hunters but conservationists warn high and rising numbers are risking forest collapse. Mary Williams reports.