Move to classify sika deer as invasive causes 'alarm' 

Irish Deer Commission says reclassifying the deer as an invasive species would lead to 'significant animal welfare issues'

Sika deer in Co Kerry. Picture: Críostóir Grayson, courtesy of Irish Deer Commission

A move in Europe to classify sika deer as an invasive alien species is causing alarm among deer management organisations here.

If adopted, the Japanese sika deer, common in places like Killarney National Park since the mid-19th century, will be placed on a list with the aim of detection and eradication of the species, along with restrictions on their movement.