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Fallow Deer in Table Mountain National Park
We would like to take the opportunity to correct some misconceptions about the issue around the shooting of Fallow Deer in the Table Mountain National Park (TMNP).
TMNP is not undertaking culling or population control of Fallow Deer. One of the biggest management challenges that face the TMNP is dealing with issues that involve the urban edge where the TMNP meets the City of Cape Town. One of these challenges is the fact that Fallow Deer are territorial animals that range in an attempt to establish new territories. In order to do so certain animals habitually break holes in the game fence and wander into M3 highway. This poses a threat to motorists on the highway and the consequence of a vehicle colliding with a large deer does not bear thinking about. It is only these deer that TMNP has been forced to remove in the interests of public safety.
Once again, please accept our assurances that this is in no way a precursor to culling or population control, as this would only be considered after a process of consultation has been undertaken.
Removal methods have been recommended by the Animal Use and Care Committee (AU&CC) that consists of senior SANParks staff and representatives from external agencies including Onderstepoort Veterinary Training Institute. The AU&CC has also recommended that we undertake population control.
However, TMNP will not act on the latter recommendation until it has discussed the potential for translocation permits for alien fauna with CapeNature (the provincial conservation agency) and consulted with the TMNP Park Forum Steering Committee concerning approach. The final decision will be informed by these consultations and will be taken by the SANParks EXCO as and when ready.
There is no current urgency for action in this regard and nothing is planned for this year.
Lastly, the staff of TMNP are conservationists with a deep love and appreciation of nature which is why they have dedicated their careers to preserving our natural heritage. Issues around problem animal management are not welcomed and are dealt with only out of necessity and, in this case, in the interests of public safety.
Table Mountain National Park Management