The annual male deer cull is set to take place in Richmond Park next month as a measure to prevent over-population.

The cull of red stags and fallow bucks is one of two each year, and is designed to protect the species from suffering from starvation due to over-population.

Ron Crompton, chairman of the Friends of Richmond Park, said: “The cull is a necessary part of maintaining deer herds and good health; without it it would be a disaster for the park."

There are over 600 deer roaming Richmond Park, and without any natural predators, the population is forecasted to rise 25 per cent each year without a cull.

This increase in population can lead to food shortages, especially in harsh winters, and malnutrition can leave the animals in pain and result in death.

The cull is considered humane, and only “exceptional marksmen” are used. It is fully endorsed by the British Deer Society and the Deer Initiative of England and Wales.

An age range of the herds of red and fallow deer are required to be culled, as culling just the older animals will result in ruts between the young deer. Age is distinguished by size and antlers.

The venison is then auctioned off to meat suppliers in the local area, and the profits are re-invested into the park.