A new study published in the Journal of Wildlife Management says that around half of the UK's deer population needs to be culled each year in order to protect woodlands and bird-life.
The UK is home to six deer species, two of which are native to the islands. Their population is estimated to number about 1.5 million, the largest deer population since the last Ice Age. Deer have no natural predators remaining in the UK, which has let their population expand uncontrolled. The huge numbers of deer damage forests and crop land, threaten biodiversity, and cause traffic accidents. Currently, the UK culls 20-30% of its deer population each year.
The results of the study suggest that a 50-60% cull would result in a healthier, more sustainable population. The authors emphasize that the culls should be performed responsibly, with the resulting kills being used as a food source. However, the author emphasized that the study was limited in scope, examining only two deer species over a limited area. In order to be effective, a conservation strategy would have to take into account local geographical and ecological concerns.
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