Species · GBIF taxon 5220136
Fallow Deer
Dama damaAlso known as European Fallow Deer, Common Fallow Deer
Fallow deer are elegant, medium-sized herbivores famous for their highly variable coats, which range from spotted chestnut to solid black or pure white. Males carry impressive, broad, palmated antlers that resemble shovels, which they shed and regrow annually. Highly social and adaptable, these deer gather in large herds and have successfully established populations worldwide beyond their native Eurasian range.
SocialHerbivoreDiurnal
Licensed referenceJohann-Nikolaus Andreae / CC BY-SA 2.0 · cc-by-sa
- diet
- Grasses, herbs, deciduous leaves, tree bark, acorns, and sweet chestnuts
- family
- Cervidae
- threats
- Habitat fragmentation, vehicle collisions, and localized overhunting
- life Span
- 12 to 16 years
LC
Males can be aggressive during the autumn rut; maintain a safe distance of at least 50 meters.
Bucks become highly territorial and aggressive during the autumn rut, using their heavy, palmated antlers to defend harems.
Never approach a rutting buck or get between a male and his harem; back away slowly if they show alert behavior.- Observe from afar: Use binoculars to watch herds without triggering their flight response.
- Listen for the rut: Listen for the deep, guttural groaning of bucks during the autumn mating season.
- Watch the tail: A twitching tail or sudden alert posture indicates the deer has spotted you.