Axis deer alert
Axis deer are present
on the Big Island.
Population numbers
are currently thought
to be small enough to
remove the species
before it becomes
a problem.
Only axis
Axis
deer has
deer look like
mouflon from white spots
on its coat.
a distance.
We ask for your help.
Please call 443-4036 and leave a message with sighting
information.
Why are axis deer a problem?
• On Maui, axis deer cost more than $1.45 million in damage and control measures to ranchers, farmers
and resorts over 2 years. During drought conditions, deer ate a wide variety of crops including pineapple,
grapes, new coffee plantings, native plants and avocado; fecal contamination presents an issue for food
safety certification.
• Deer are a huge threat to local agriculture and native forests.
• Vehicle accidents occur regularly on Moloka'i1 and are on the rise in Maui. • Deer damage the watershed, increasing runoff and facilitating weed spread which further reduces
watershed function. Fences 8 feet high do not stop axis deer.1 • Axis deer populations are estimated to increase by 20- 30% a year in Hawai'i.
• Axis deer hamper conservation efforts to protect culturally significant plants, animals and archeological
sites.
Report sightings of axis deer to 443-4036.
Please leave your name, number and a
detailed message.
1. Anderson, S.B, 1999 Axis deer overview and profile [www.hear.org/hnis/reports]
2. Hess 2008 Wild Sheep and Deer in Hawai'i- a Threat to Fragile Ecosystems, USGS Fact Sheet 2008-3102 [www.pubs.usgs.gov/
fs/2008/3102