News

Table Mountain National Park will, in the coming weeks, be undertaking the first phase of a program focussing on population control of Fallow Deer within the

Cape Nature has issued a permit for the translocation of Fallow Deer. Live capture is the most feasible option and will be carried out by a team of specialists from SANParks’ department of Veterinary and Wildlife services. The population control is necessary at this stage to counter a rapid increase in the Fallow Deer population within TMNP. We will continue engaging with stakeholders about a permanent solution that is accepted by all concerned. However, it is important to understand that legislation obliges SANParks to eradicate invasive alien species. Where it is impossible to eradicate, the law dictates that everything possible must be done to manage/control the species. The Fallow Deer has proved to be an invasive alien, which means ultimately it has to be removed. In addition, the removal of the Fallow deer is part of TMNP’s wildlife management vision and plan to 2010 – the end goal being the reintroduction of some 8 species of indigenous wildlife into an expanded enclosure (including Red Hartebeest, Eland and Duikers), in keeping with Cecil John Rhodes’ Will and SANParks’ vision.

Why Are Fallow Deer Considered “invasive”?

“¢ Fallow Deer are an exotic alien species brought to South Africa in the 19th century. SANParks is mandated by the Protected Areas Act to eradicate invasive alien species or bring them under control.
“¢ There are no predators to assist with population control and the Deer are breeding very successfully, thus their numbers continue to increase.
“¢ There are more than 350 Fallow Deer within Table Mountain National Park at present and they are out competing indigenous animals.
“¢ This puts the veldt under enormous strain, to the point where TMNP has to feed the animals like zoo keepers, and that’s not a desirable option in a National Park.
“¢ The Fallow Deer are also guilty of ring barking and killing off the Silver tree in the process, which is one of the few tree proteas on the Cape Peninsula.
“¢ There have been a few incidents in the past where the animals have jumped the fences of the Estate, posing a danger to motorists. In these instances TMNP has had to shoot them, following guidelines issued by the Animal Use and Care Committee.
“¢ The Fallow Deer cause severe damage to fences.

The Capture Operation:

A successful capture operation can only occur during late winter when the Fallow Deer are in the game camp attracted by the fresh grass. Numbers in the game camp during winter are usually in the order of 150 to 200 animals. However, the number of animals relocated will depend on how many can be safely captured and transported.

Two capture camps are envisaged, based on the current movement patterns and behaviour of the deer. The standard operating practice of funnels, curtains and collapsing capture nets will be employed. Captured animals will be tranquilized by a VWS Vet and moved to Game Trucks for translocation.

The Way Forward

TMNP will request that the NSPCA monitors the live capture operation and provide feedback on areas that require improvement before continuing with the next phase. The National Park will also encourage input from interested and affected parties through our Park Forum towards finalizing plans for complete removal. TMNP will in the meantime seek to secure funds to expand the current Game Camp to 400Ha, for our planned reintroduction of indigenous wildlife.
Anyone who wishes to comment about this process can download feedback forms on http://www.tmnp.co.za/ or email [email protected] for more information.

Issued by: Table Mountain National Park