Commercial pursuit of deer poses threat to non-native population

Government Minister Deenihan is to be commended on his recent decision toprotect the remnant of our native Red Deer herds in Co. Kerry, but at the same time he ignored the plight of our non-native Red species, whose numbers are at critically low levels because of commercial exploitation.

The illegal and incessant pursuit of deer at night with the aid of lamps has resulted in a decimation of the population, and it is estimated that only 20% of the numbers which existed four to five years ago now survive. If our present reprehensible situation is allowed to continue, two years from now our deer will be close to extinction.

There is a widely held view that policing of the Wildlife Act, in so far as it protects deer, is non-existent, and that there is a tacit policy on the part of the authorities that particular infringements of the Act may be ignored.

If so, is this because the Wildlife Service is too depleted to be effectual in this area, and the gardaí are otherwise deployed, or is it that an important part of our national heritage and biodiversity is considered expendable?

Minister Deenihan and his fellow Minister, Mr Shatter, have a duty to deal with the problem, and it is hoped, that they will take the necessary steps to do so without delay.

Tom Grace

Thurles

Co Tipperary