Deer study areas

The research is currently being done at two sites with expansion to four sites. Two in the North Island and two in the South Island.

Map of New Zealand showing the location of the deer study sites at Waihaha, Waiotaka, Anatoki Valley and Hopkins and Huxley valleys.

In the North Island, we are working in:

  • Waihaha in the Pureora Forest Park and
  • Waiotaka in the Kaimanawa Forest Park.

In the South Island, we are working in:

  • Anatoki Valley in Kahurangi National Park
  • Hopkins and Huxley valleys in Ruataniwha Conservation Park

We used the following criteria to select sites:

  • Deer density is not considered very low
  • There is ongoing control of possums at the site
  • No goats are present
  • The site allows us to work on a scale of thousands of hectares
  • People who use the forest and might join a learning group are known to DOC staff
  • The conservancy will be supportive of the research.

Publications

The Faecal Pellet Index (PDF, 799K) is used to monitor how deer abundance changes over time. It involves counting deer pellets in small circles along a large number of short lines positioned randomly in the block.Consequences of deer control for Kaweka mountain beech forest dynamics (PDF, 848K)

Learn more

Deer farming notice

Find out where deer can be farmed and what regulations apply to deer farms and safari parks.

Contacts

Clare Veltman
Animal pest ecologist
Research, Development and Improvement
Telephone +64 6 353 4803
Email Deer Forest Study Project manager

Conservation for prosperity. Tiakina te taiao, kia puawai