On Sunday, 18 September SGLN and Tarwin Landcare Group held a field day to learn about a method for quantifying the abundance and impact of deer. Ami Bennett from Melbourne University spoke to the group about a methodology she developed, followed by a practical demonstration.
The technique involved a combination of deer poo (pellet) counts (to indicate deer abundance) and plant identification and browsing score (to indicate deer impacts) along a linear transect of bushland. The group also inspected fenced exclusion plots which have been established to measure the recovery of bushland which has been severely impacted by deer.
For copies of the handouts from the day please contact Nick Stephens here.
