Swiss deer boom sparks forest damage and management debates
Switzerland’s deer population has grown sharply over the past two decades. Both roe deer and red deer numbers have risen, leading to mounting concerns over damage to forests and farmland. The surge has sparked debate over how best to manage wildlife in the country.
Official figures show red deer numbers climbing from around 26,000 in 2005 to roughly 39,400 by 2024. Roe deer have also multiplied, increasing from about 126,000 to 140,200 in the same period. The highest concentrations of red deer are in Grisons, Ticino, Valais, Bern, and St. Gallen.
The expanding deer population is taking a toll on Swiss forests. Young saplings are being eaten, while trees suffer from fraying and bark-stripping. This damage complicates efforts to make woodlands more resilient to climate change. Agriculture is also affected, with Grisons alone reporting over CHF 51,000 in losses from deer in 2024.
Forestry operations in Grisons spent more than CHF 1.4 million on wildlife damage prevention in 2024—a 12% rise above the ten-year average. The issue has divided opinions, with some calling for increased culling to limit the harm, while others highlight the deer’s importance for biodiversity.
The rising deer numbers continue to strain forests and farming across Switzerland. With costs for damage prevention climbing, authorities face growing pressure to balance wildlife conservation with protecting natural and agricultural resources. The debate over management strategies is likely to persist as populations expand.
