The Walls of Jerusalem National Park will has reopened following completion of phase two of the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area Deer Control Project.
According to a press release from Parks Tas, the national park and surrounding conservation areas were closed to allow aerial shooting operations, with the aim of eradicating wild fallow deer to protect natural values.
During the operation, c. This brings the total number of deer removed during the two-year project to 1,017 deer over 40 days.
Parks Tas says animal welfare was a priority and was verified by veterinary officers in attendance each day.
The number of deer destroyed was higher than the initial population estimate, which aligns with experience in other jurisdictions that have undertaken similar projects.
High-tech thermal imaging cameras were used to confirm the eradication of deer within the project area.
The two-year project is supported by the Tasmanian and Australian Governments and funded through a $400,000 Australian Heritage Grant.
The management objective for the zone encompassing the TWWHA is 'no deer', which is set out in the Tasmanian Wild Fallow Deer Management Plan.
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