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.

The Irish Deer Commission is calling on the minister with responsibility for deer Malcolm Noonan to ensure a derogation for Ireland if it is adopted later this year.

The species is spreading on continental Europe and causing damage to forestry, as well as affecting livestock and humans in car collisions, according to a risk assessment accepted by the EU scientific forum on alien species. 

The forum will present its decision whether or not to include sika as an alien species in the coming months, after which there will be public consultation.

Japanese sika deer are common in Killarney National Park. Picture: Don MacMonagle

Sika, introduced here in the 1860s, are longer established in Ireland than in other countries and reclassifying them as an invasive species would lead to them being branded as vermin, Damien Hannigan of the Irish Deer Commission said.

"It would mean deer could be shot all year round, resulting in significant animal welfare issues for dependent young whose mothers are shot," he said.

"Where deer numbers are excessive, they can have negative impacts on farming, forestry, and the wider ecosystem.

"However, where deer are managed at sustainable levels, research demonstrates deer are also 'eco-engineers' and can have a positive impact on woodland regeneration by browsing on plant species which restrict the regeneration of native woodlands," Mr Hannigan said.

Restrictions on hunting during covid 19 led to a spike in numbers but the deer population in Ireland is unknown, Mr Hannigan said. However, 55,000 deer are culled by over 6,200 hunters annually.

Red deer rut walk

Meanwhile, details of the annual red deer rut walk in Killarney National Park, one of the highlights in the wildlife calendar, have been announced for Sunday October 15.

Killarney National Park is acknowledged as one of the best locations in Europe to observe the red deer rut.

Booking is available online only, places are limited and subject to confirmation.

For more information visit irishdeercommission.ie/news.