Efforts to eradicate feral deer have taken a significant step forward with the release of a comprehensive plan aimed at removing the invasive species from Adelaide’s peri-urban areas, including the Fleurieu Peninsula.

The Greater Adelaide Peri-Urban Feral Deer Eradication Plan, part of a statewide strategy, highlights the urgency of tackling feral deer populations before their numbers spiral out of control, as has happened on Australia’s east coast.

Feral deer are causing widespread damage across the Fleurieu Peninsula, trampling vegetation critical to native wildlife and threatening endangered species like the southern brown bandicoot and woodland birds. Beyond environmental destruction, they are becoming a growing road hazard, particularly along high-traffic routes.

“Feral deer numbers are still relatively low in the Greater Adelaide area, but they reproduce rapidly—up to 35 per cent annually,” says Tom Kloeden, Regional Coordinator for Grazing Pressure Management at Landscapes Hills and Fleurieu. “We have a limited window to act before their population reaches an uncontrollable level.”

Residents in peri-urban areas, including parts of the Fleurieu, have reported deer wandering through gardens, urban streets, and farms, highlighting the need for immediate and sustained action.

The Fleurieu Peninsula, with its diverse ecosystems, is particularly vulnerable to the destructive impact of feral deer. Local landscapes, such as the Mount Compass wetlands and dense woodlands, provide critical habitats for threatened species, which are increasingly at risk due to deer grazing and trampling.

“Deer are destroying habitat for some of our most vulnerable species,” Tom Kloeden says. “If we don’t act now, the long-term consequences for our environment and biodiversity will be devastating.”

The eradication plan, which spans areas from Gawler to Mount Barker and down to McLaren Vale, calls for widespread community involvement. Landholders are being urged to actively participate in control measures on their properties, while the public is encouraged to report sightings through the FeralScan app.

The plan builds on years of work by Landscapes Hills and Fleurieu to manage feral deer and goats, expanding these efforts into high-priority zones. Collaborative support from local councils, state agencies, and community groups ensures the plan is grounded in both expertise and local knowledge.

The overarching goal is to remove feral deer from South Australia by 2032, preventing the economic and environmental costs currently burdening other states. Control methods will adhere to the highest standards of safety, risk mitigation, and animal welfare, particularly given the challenges posed by smaller properties and the peri-urban environment.

“This is a critical time for land managers and the community to work together,” Tom Kloeden says. “By committing to the eradication plan now, we can protect the Fleurieu Peninsula’s unique landscapes and wildlife for future generations.”

How to Get Involved

Community members can learn more about the eradication plan and contribute to its success by reporting feral deer sightings via FeralScan or visiting the Landscapes SA website at landscape.sa.gov.au/hf/feraldeer.

Photo credit Jon. Image supplied.