Sika deer declared as invasive species in the European Union

The European Union has declared the sika deer an invasive species.

According to The Irish Times, sika deer was added to the EU list of union concern last summer, while its addition applying to Ireland was only published in recent days.

Sika deer were first introduced to Killarney National Park in the 1860s; almost 400 deer were culled there last year, including over 270 sika deer.

Its inclusion in the EU list, means countries must eradicate the deer, control their populations or prevent their initial arrival.