Sika Deer Remain in Denmark Despite Invasive Species Listing
Minister for Green Tripartite, Jeppe Bruus (S), has delivered surprising news: despite the European Union’s classification of sika deer as an invasive species, Denmark will not initiate any active measures to eradicate these animals from the wild.
This assertion has raised eyebrows at Denmark’s Nature Conservation Association (DN). Biologist and senior adviser Bo Håkansson voiced strong concerns, calling the minister’s decision “ill-conceived and populist.”
“We’re dealing with a species that was introduced from Asia solely for hunting purposes,” Håkansson explained. “Sika deer are not native to our landscape, and there’s a genuine risk they could hybridize with local deer, creating a mixed breed.” He pointed to Scotland as a cautionary tale, where similar situations have already occurred, prompting the EU to include sika on its invasive species list.
Historically, sika deer were brought to Denmark around 1900, and their population now hovers around 1,000, with nearly a third housed in enclosures at facilities like Marselisborg Zoo and Jægersborg Zoo. In response to parliamentary questions, Minister Bruus stated that these enclosed deer would be allowed to die naturally, provided measures are taken to prevent both reproduction and escape.
Yet, Håkansson poses a critical question: “How exactly does the minister plan to ensure these animals do not breed? Will he be sterilizing them?” The potential for crossbreeding between sika and native deer is a primary concern for DN, as such mixing could irreversibly alter the established deer populations.
“Once hybridization occurs and spreads through generations, it becomes increasingly challenging to preserve our native fauna,” Håkansson cautioned. “If we genuinely care about protecting Denmark’s dwindling natural heritage, allowing this situation to develop would be detrimental.”
In contrast, Claus Lind Christensen, chairman of the Danmarks Jægerforbund, expressed satisfaction with the minister’s stance. He viewed the categorization of sika deer alongside more problematic species, such as marten, as an overreaction. “Sika have been in Denmark for over a century, and there are no documented cases of them interbreeding with local deer,” he argued.
Last year, Danish hunters culled approximately 600 sika deer during the designated hunting season. Although sika deer can be hunted year-round due to their invasive status, Lind Christensen urged hunters to adhere to established hunting regulations.
As the debate continues, Ritzau has reached out for further comments from Minister Bruus regarding the criticisms leveled by DN.
