Previously, we discussed the apparent compatibility between the Pookila mouse and the Hog Deer in several of Victoria’s coastal environments. In it, we highlighted that wild deer were not listed as key threatening processes. Instead, predation by cats and foxes and a change in the plant community driven by the coastal tea tree are. And that Hog Deer and the Pookila have lived together for around 100 years.
In recognition of the need to help the Pookila, the Melbourne Zoo and Moonlit Sanctuary have bred more than 60 pups since 2022 as a part of the Victorian Pookila Conservation Breeding and Reintroduction Program.
As a result of this program, the government announced on Thursday, the 7th of September, that six females had been released across three different locations in Wilsons Promontory.
Hog Deer have called Wilsons Promontory home for nearly 150 years. And they weren’t a concern when Wilsons Promontory was chosen as a release site.
Do you want to get the last Australian Deer news, events, updates & competitions directly to your inbox?
Enter your name & email below and we'll make sure you're the first to know!
