![\"An](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/4N8IS02_An_aerial_photo_of_Pukenui_Anchor_Island_credit_Leon_Everett_jpg.jpeg\")
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\nAn aerial photo of Pukenui Anchor Island.
\nPhoto: Supplied \/ Leon Everett\n<\/p>\n
Remote Fiordland islands are deer-free again after three pests were found and removed during an annual sweep.<\/p>\n
Pukenui\/Anchor Island and Indian Island in Dusky Sound are both managed to stay deer-free to provide safe, intact habitats for native wildlife and plants.<\/p>\n
Surrounding inlets and islands in Dusky Sound and Preservation Inlet are checked annually with Anchor Island first achieving deer-free status in 2007.<\/p>\n
One deer was removed from Indian Island and two from Anchor Island during the most recent annual checks.<\/p>\n
Department of Conservation biodiversity project lead Monty Williams said it was costly but necessary work as both islands were only accessible by boat or helicopter and contractors used a mix of aerial hunting with thermal technology and ground hunting to find and remove deer.<\/p>\n
“If left unchecked, even a few deer can quickly rebuild a population – potentially undoing decades of conservation gains,” he said.<\/p>\n
“Acting now prevents a far bigger and costlier problem later. This investment secures the islands’ long-term ecological health and ensures Fiordland’s unique biodiversity continues to thrive.”<\/p>\n
The department prioritised keeping areas including Coal Island, Chalky Island, Anchor Island, Indian Island, Secretary Island, and the Cleddau Valley catchment near Milford Sound deer-free.<\/p>\n
“New Zealand’s island sanctuaries are internationally recognised as models for species recovery and ecosystem protection,” Williams said.<\/p>\n
“Maintaining a wild deer-free status doesn’t just safeguard wildlife – it demonstrates how targeted, science-led action can contribute to biodiversity protection worldwide.”<\/p>\n