The eradication of fallow deer (Dama dama) and feral goats (Capra hircus) from Kangaroo Island, South Australia

Abstract

ABSTRACTAn eradication program for fallow deer (Dama dama) and feral goats (Capra hircus) was initiated on Kangaroo Island in 2005 and is now close to completion. The program followed established principles for successful eradication which included effective planning, gaining support from stakeholders, developing and implementing effective control and monitoring, and minimising reinfestation risks. Support for the eradication program was high based on results from community surveys and public meetings. The distribution of feral goats and fallow deer was identified initially using community observations. The area occupied by goats was divided into seven management units which were targeted sequentially, but the deer population was small and could be targeted effectively across the entire distribution. Judas goats were an essential part of the program and assisted in the location and destruction of over 1200 feral goats. Since the program began, restrictions for keeping domestic goats and deer have been tightened with the implementation of a permit system. There are no known feral goats surviving. No juvenile deer have been detected for four years and only two female deer. Monitoring continues to determine if other breeding individuals remain.