The non-native axis and fallow deer at Point Reyes National Seashore should be removed to benefit the area’s native plants and wildlife, according to a letter from The Wildlife Society (TWS), supporting the non-native deer management plan developed by the National Park Service (NPS). Axis and fallow deer, two non-native species present at Point Reyes as a result of deliberate introductions in the 1940’s, have created unnecessary stress on vegetation, as well as the native populations of black-tailed deer, tule elk and other animals.

“One of the key missions of TWS is to promote the maintenance of biological diversity and ecosystem integrity,”� stated Michael Hutchins, PhD, executive director and CEO of TWS. “The fallow and axis deer have already adversely affected the native tule elk and black-tailed deer, as well as other wildlife and plant species. We are in favor of using a combination of lethal and non-lethal means to remove the non-native deer by 2021.”�

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The NPS released an Environmental Impact Study (EIS) in July 2006 for their non-native deer management plan, outlining their preferred alternative for eradication of the non-native species — a compromise between eradication of exotic deer using lethal control and testing a contraceptive in the field. In May 2008, the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) released a report that calls for a halt to the eradication effort and the management of non-native deer populations exclusively through immunocontraception. “Following release of this report, a number of members of California's Congressional delegation called on the NPS to halt the eradication effort,”� continued Hutchins. “However, after studying the HSUS report, we found it fails to consider several key drawbacks to, and difficulties involved in, control of the non-native deer using contraception. Further, their plan would do little or nothing to protect and restore the area’s biological diversity, which is of the utmost importance.”�

While TWS refutes several claims made by HSUS in their report, the majority of comments focus on the use of experimental contraceptives favored by HSUS such as:

-Effects will be long-term, rather than immediate. The damage these deer are causing to natural vegetation or native species can be expected to continue for many years, contradicting the mandate of the NPS to protect native animals and plants.

-There is no way to know if an animal has been effectively treated with a single shot. Darts can become plugged by fat or bone, can bounce off before injecting completely, can fail to inject, or inject incompletely.

-The initial treatment and boosting of female deer must both occur within a couple of months, so each deer needs to be approached to within effective dart range twice the first year and typically at least once each subsequent year.

-Deer become harder to approach after the initial darting and as the proportion of deer treated increases, often the time required to locate and approach within darting range of an untreated animal increases.

“HSUS has taken an emotional approach in its report, while the NPS plan is based in science,”� concluded Hutchins. “The eradication of non-native deer satisfies NPS’ legal mandates and protects and enhances the biological integrity of the Seashore. We call on the California delegation to support the professionals at NPS in their efforts to protect the Seashore’s native wildlife and plants.”�

About The Wildlife Society

TWS, founded in 1937, is a scientific and educational organization dedicated to enhancing the ability of wildlife professionals to conserve diversity, sustain productivity, and ensure the responsible use of wildlife resources for the benefit of society.

Contact Info: Laura Bies
(301) 897-9770 ext. 308

Website : The Wildlife Society