European Fallow Deer

The European fallow deer (Dama dama) is a medium-sized deer originally native to southeastern Europe and nearby Asia Minor, though it has been widely introduced elsewhere. It exhibits a wide range of coat colors, from white to dark brown, often with spots that fade in winter. Only males, known as bucks, have antlers, which are palmate, meaning they av a broad and flat structure. Adult males typically stand about 90 cm (35 in) at the shoulder and weigh between 60 to 100 kg (132 to 220 lbs), whereas females, known as doe, stand 80 cm (31 in) at the shoulder and weigh between 30-50 kg (66 to 110 lbs). They are similar to the Persian fallow deer (Dama mesopotamica), whose antlers are more robust and less palmated.

European fallow deer are adaptable and can thrive in a variety of habitats including deciduous forests, mixed woodlands, and grasslands. They prefer areas with a mix of cover and open spaces. Their diet consists primarily of grasses, herbs, leaves, and woody plants. They are known to browse and graze, often shifting between these feeding strategies depending on the season and availability of food. In the autumn, they feed extensively on acorns and other mast, which help build fat reserves for winter.

European fallow deer are social animals, often forming herds. These herds can vary in size from small family units to large aggregations, especially during the breeding season. They are crepuscular, being most active during dawn and dusk. Fallow deer communicate through vocalizations, body language, and scent marking. Bucks are known for their distinctive groaning calls during the rutting season.

The breeding season for European fallow deer, known as the rut, occurs in October. During this time, bucks compete for the attention of does by engaging in displays of dominance and fighting with their antlers. Bucks will also create “rutting stands” or “leks,” where they display and vocalize to attract does. These stands can be used by multiple bucks over several years.

Does give birth to a single fawn after a gestation period of about 230 days, usually in late May or early June. Fawns are born with a spotted coat, which provides camouflage. The mother nurses the fawn for about six months, though the young deer will start grazing within a few weeks. Fallow deer can live up to 16 years in the wild, though many do not reach this age due to predation and hunting.

European fallow deer are thought to originally come from Turkey, the southern Balkans, possibly Italy, and some surrounding islands. The fallow deer was first introduced elsewhere during the Roman empire, and its introduction across Europe and other parts of the world has continued into modern times. Regions with prominent populations of introduced European fallow deer include Ireland, the United Kingdom, New Zealand, Australia, and parts of South America. These introductions were often for hunting purposes or to enhance the landscape. In some areas, their presence has significantly impacted native vegetation and ecosystems. Their browsing habits can lead to overgrazing, which may threaten the survival of native plant species and the animals that depend on them.

The European fallow deer is currently listed as least concern on the IUCN Red List due to its wide distribution and large population. However, in some regions, habitat loss and hunting pressure pose localized threats. There are not many individuals left of the original native populations, which are found in Turkey. In many countries where it has been introduced, efforts focus on managing populations to prevent overgrazing and ensuring sustainable hunting practices.