Thu Sep 19 06:59:08 UTC 2024: ## Feral Deer Eradicated from Wild Duck Island, Protecting Flatback Turtle Nests
**Mackay, QLD** – A significant conservation victory has been achieved with the eradication of feral rusa deer from Wild Duck Island, a key nesting ground for flatback turtles on the Great Barrier Reef.
The deer, illegally introduced to the island in 2005 for hunting purposes, were posing a major threat to the island’s ecosystem. They were trampling on flatback turtle nests, deterring the turtles from laying eggs, and damaging the island’s vegetation.
The Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service (QPWS) embarked on a long-term eradication program in 2018, utilizing aerial and ground shooting with thermal cameras. This intensive effort, supported by various government agencies and advanced technology, resulted in the removal of over 272 deer.
The success of the eradication program has been confirmed by the absence of any deer sightings on the island this year, despite the deployment of 44 remote cameras. This achievement marks the first recorded eradication of feral rusa deer from a national park island in Australia.
“The development of new technology to assist us in finding feral animals amongst dense vegetation has really stepped things up,” said David Orgill, Southern Great Barrier Reef principal ranger. “This technology is becoming a game-changer for achieving eradication on other islands with similar pest issues.”
The Queensland Conservation Council welcomed the news, emphasizing the importance of ongoing funding for national park protection and management. “This is great news,” said director Dave Copeman. “We strongly welcome investment to deal with invasive species like deer, which can cause incredible amounts of damage.”
The successful eradication of the deer from Wild Duck Island is a significant step towards preserving the island’s critical habitat and protecting the future of the flatback turtle population. This achievement highlights the importance of proactive conservation efforts to combat invasive species and ensure the long-term health of our ecosystems.
First Piper 