Fallow deer

Fallow deer in field

Fallow deer herd

Dama dama map

Persian Fallow Deer 1

Persian Fallow Deer Does

Fallow Deer (Dama dama) are a species of ruminant mammal belonging to the family Cervidae. They are native to Europe and Asia Minor but have been introduced to other regions including North America, South Africa, and Australia. Fallow deer are known for their distinctive antlers, which are broad and shovel-shaped (palmate) in males and are shed and regrown annually. The species plays a significant role in habitat management and is also of interest in hunting and conservation efforts.

Description

Fallow deer are medium-sized deer, with males (bucks) being larger than females (does). Bucks typically weigh between 45 to 100 kilograms, while does weigh between 30 to 50 kilograms. They have a variety of coat colors, ranging from reddish-brown to almost black, and are famous for their beautiful spotted coats, although not all individuals have spots. The species undergoes a change in coat color from summer to winter, providing them with better camouflage against predators.

Habitat and Distribution

Originally from the Mediterranean regions of Europe and Asia Minor, fallow deer have been introduced to many parts of the world. They prefer mixed woodland and open grassland habitats where they can graze and browse for food. Fallow deer are highly adaptable and can live in a range of environments, but they require access to water and prefer areas that offer both cover and open spaces.

Behavior

Fallow deer are social animals and often form large herds, especially in winter. These herds are usually segregated by sex outside of the mating season, known as the rut. During the rut, bucks become more territorial and use their antlers in combat to win access to mates. Fallow deer communicate through visual signals, vocalizations, and scent marking.

Reproduction

The breeding season, or rut, occurs in the autumn. During this time, bucks compete for the attention of does by engaging in displays and battles. After a gestation period of about 230 days, does give birth to a single fawn, although twins are not uncommon. Fawns are weaned after 7 to 9 months but may stay with their mothers until the birth of the next year's fawn.

Diet

Fallow deer are herbivores, feeding on a wide variety of vegetation, including grasses, herbs, leaves, and shoots. Their diet varies seasonally, depending on the availability of food sources in their habitat.

Conservation Status

The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) currently lists fallow deer as of Least Concern due to their wide distribution and large populations, especially in areas where they have been introduced. However, in their native range, habitat loss and hunting can pose threats to local populations.

In Culture

Fallow deer have been associated with human culture for thousands of years. They have been featured in art, mythology, and heraldry. In some cultures, fallow deer are symbols of fertility and wilderness. They have also been kept in parks and estates, both for their beauty and for hunting.