During annual checks of islands in Dusky Sound and Preservation Inlet — areas managed to remain deer-free — three deer were removed: one from Indian Island and two from Pukenui/Anchor Island.
These checks also included surrounding islets.
Anchor Island’s lush forests support rare species, including the critically endangered kākāpō and kākāriki karaka. It achieved a wild deer-free status in 2007.
"If left unchecked, even a few deer can quickly rebuild a population — potentially undoing decades of conservation gains," Doc project leader biodiversity Monty Williams said in a statement.
"Acting now prevents a far bigger and costlier problem later. This investment secures the islands’ long-term ecological health and ensures Fiordland’s unique biodiversity continues to thrive."
Doc contractors used aerial hunting with thermal technology and ground hunting to remove the animals from the islands, which are accessible only by boat or helicopter.
"We prioritise keeping areas such as Coal Island, Chalky Island, Anchor Island, Indian Island, Secretary Island, and the Cleddau Valley catchment near Milford Sound wild deer-free as part of our wild animal management within Fiordland National Park," Mr Williams said.
"New Zealand’s island sanctuaries are internationally recognised as models for species recovery and ecosystem protection." — Allied Media
