Tiny deer cause big problems in the wild
THERE are growing concerns that an increase in the number of a species of Chinese deer could have a negative impact on the Wicklow environment and surrounding areas.
The Chinese muntjac, which is about the size of a fox and barks like a dog, has been illegally introduced into the wild in Ireland and it's believed that the first release may have been in south east region.
Now in order to curb the spread of the muntjac, the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government have extended the hunting season for the deer.
Dr. Ruth Carden, a consultant zoologist with the Irish Wildlife Trust, said the species has already established itself in the region.
She said the Chinese or Reeves' muntjac has the capacity to cause enormous damage to habitat and crops, and will be impossible to control.
There had been reports that the species, which is about the size of a fox and is often mistaken for a fox as it barks like a dog, had been brought in here illegally four or five years ago,' said Dr. Carden.
Wesley Atkinson, of the National Parks and Wildlife Service, said one muntjac deer was shot in Avoca by hunters last August and during the summer there were also a number of sightings of a male deer. While it doesn't appear that the deer is flourishing in large numbers in Wicklow, the fear is the population could explode because they have no closed breeding season.
If they are here at all, then we want to nip it in the bud. There have been reliable sightings and that's why the Minister has introduced an open season. This is just a stopgap measure. There will be further legislation put in place to deal with all evasive animals,' said Mr. Atkinson.
One experienced hunter said that while the normal hunting season runs until the end of February, all licence holders were this year informed that this period was being extended until the end of March solely for muntjac.
He said it was the first time that he can recall the word muntjac' being used officially by the authorities in Ireland, though local hunters have been aware of them for some time.
Their introduction was selfish, ignorant and totally illegal and was probably done by hunters not realising the impact it would have,' said Dr. Carden.
She said the muntjac, which was the size of a fox, and weighed between 15kg and 20kg, was a small animal which could easily hide in bracken and was difficult to see.
They become sexually mature at six months so there is no closed breeding season as they breed within weeks of birthing. They also live for about 15 years,' she said.
They create the same problems as other deer species and like all kinds of woodland and young roots. They will eat farm crops and are very opportunistic,' added Dr. Carden.
Mr. Atkinson agrees that the animals will have an impact on conservation.
They will cause damage, plus how did they get here? It wouldn't appear there was any veterinary clearance. If they were to take hold it would be on good ground. They won't be up in the mountains. South Wicklow, along the river valley, would be more suitable to them.'
Meanwhile, anybody who spots a Muntjac is asked to contact the National Parks and Wildlife Service at (0404) 45800 with details of the where and when of the sighting.
