Fallow Deer

DISTRIBUTION AND HABITAT

It is a species commonly found in Europe, lives in wide range of habitats, including forest, shrubland, grassland and pastureland.

BEHAVIOUR

The male fallow deer is known as a buck, the female is a doe, and the young a fawn. Fallow Deer live in herds, females with young form separately group than male. They feed at dawn and dusk and rest throughout much of the day. Male has impressive antlers that grow afresh each year. Lifespan: up to 15 years, in the wild reach 7 or 8 years.

DIET

Their diet consists mainly of grasses, acorns, herbs, shrubs, leaves, buds, shoots, and bark. Their nourishment are adaptable and depend on season and availability of food.

REPRODUCTION

Pregnancy last up to 245 days. Female give birth to a single fawn, after birth she licks the fawn to clean it. Doe hides the fawn in dense bushes and only returns to nurse it during the day. Males do not participate in rearing the fawn. The breeding season (know as rut) takes place during the October to December.

GOOD TO KNOW

Fallow deer have a good sense of smell and hearing and very good vision.