Biology of Fallow Deer

Fallow deer (Cervus dama)

The fallow deer originally lived only in the Mediterranean lands and the Middle East. It has been introduced to most European countries, North and South America and New Zealand.This medium sized deer stands about 91-97 cm high at the shoulder; males weigh 80-125 kg, females 35-41 kg. The fur colour is highly variable, ranging from reddish brown to almost black and sometimes also white. It is covered with white spots in both young and adult deer. In some individuals the white spots become indistinct in winter, in others they remain visible. In their first years, bucks have spiky antlers, but when they are 3-4 years old they develop antlers with broad, palmate areas. Fallow deer inhabit deciduous and mixed woodlands on open, flat or gently rolling terrain. Their food consists of grasses, herbs, leaves, fruits and in winter also the bark of trees. Most activity takes place at dusk and dawn.

Bucks are fully grown at 6 years. In captivity, fallow deer may reach an age of maximum 25 years, in the wild their lifespan is 11-15 years.

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