Control and Investigation Committee members Pu Zhongcheng and Chen Jingjun stated today that while the successful reintroduction of sika deer into the wild in Kenting has brought tourism revenue, it has also caused local agricultural damage, traffic, and ecological impacts. They have requested an investigation into the control plans and management models of the responsible authorities.
We have been discussing this issue on our blog pretty much before. As we reported, the Kenting’s Formosan Sika Deer population surges 10 times in 30 years. This means not only challenges for farmers, but a frequent collision with a car on the road, even with fatal consequences for drivers!
This Sika deer collided with a scooter driver, and both died as a result
In a press release, Pu Zhongcheng and Chen Jingjun reported that the sika deer reintroduced into the wild in the Kenting area, while beneficial for local tourism, have also caused agricultural damage, traffic issues, and ecological impacts.
The Control and Investigation Committee notes that there is still no consensus in Taiwan on whether reintroduced sika deer should be classified as livestock or wild animals, leading to a lack of established management models.
Graph of sika deer population growth in kenting in last 30 years
Pu Zhongcheng and Chen Jingjun pointed out that with the increasing population and expanding habitat of the reintroduced sika deer, it is necessary to investigate how the relevant authorities grasp the situation regarding local agricultural damage and ecological harm, and how they plan to formulate control plans and management models.
Sika deers wander everywhere in Kenting now, even near wavebreakers
Media reports indicate that there are nearly 2,000 sika deer in the wild in the Hengchun and Manzhou mountain areas of Kenting. These deer, which feed on tender leaves, shoots, and tree bark, have caused significant damage to agriculture and forests, particularly affecting dragon fruit and black bean crops in Manzhou Township.