Santa Catalina Island plans to remove 2,000 deer to restore ecosystems and support the endangered California condor

In a controversial effort to restore local ecosystems, Santa Catalina Island, located off the coast of Los Angeles, plans to eliminate approximately 2,000 deer. This measure aims to reverse the damage caused by non-native species, although it faces growing political and social opposition.

Restoration plan on Santa Catalina Island

The initiative, supported by the Catalina Island Conservancy, has received backing from California Fish and Wildlife. The plan contemplates that the deer meat will be used to feed the California condor, a critically endangered species.

This approach has renewed the debate over the management of introduced species. Despite previous population control efforts through regulated hunting, the proliferation of deer continues to negatively affect native vegetation and facilitate the spread of invasive plants.

The plan proposes a gradual eradication strategy, initially avoiding the use of helicopters, which had generated considerable backlash. Instead, specialized ground shooters will be used, extending the process over several years.

Despite arguments in favor, such as reducing the risk of wildfires, critics of the plan, like Janice Hahn, Los Angeles County Supervisor, label it as “drastic” and “inhumane.” Hahn suggests alternatives like relocation, although project leaders point out the logistical and economic limitations of such options.

For many residents and visitors, deer are part of the island’s cultural landscape, leading to public campaigns against their removal. However, proponents of the proposal argue that it is a necessary step for the recovery of native habitats and the protection of indigenous species.

The program will include a final limited recreational hunting season for residents in the fall of 2026, as part of the transition towards total eradication. This approach not only seeks to restore the natural environment but also to support the survival of the California condor, integrating deer removal into a broader conservation context.