Fallow Deer

Facts
Scientific Name: 
Dama dama
Weight : 
The male Fallow Deer weighs between 50 - 95kgs, but the female is about half this weight at 55kgs.
Life Span: 
Up to 16 years, but 8 - 10 years being the norm.
Information
Description : 

Fallow Deer vary greatly in appearance - both 'black' and 'white' herds, together with another variety having larger spots. The spots tend to disappear in winter as the coat turns grey/brown. However, the Fallow Deer has a very distinctive white rump with black border and tail

Distribution : 

Not as widespread as either the Red or Roe Deer, the Fallow may still be found in the Forest of Dean, New Forest, Epping Forest and Cannock Chase, in addition to a number of parks.

Habitat : 

Dense woodland and parkland.

Diet : 

Preferential grazers of grasses although trees and dwarf shrub shoots will be taken during autumn and winter.

Behaviour : 

Group sizes as well as the degree of sexual segregation varies according to population density and habitat. Groups of adult males and females, usually with young, remain apart for most of the year in large woodlands, only coming together to breed. Sexes freely mix in large herds throughout the year in open, agricultural environments.

Reproduction : 

Does give birth to a single fawn in early June.

Did You Know?: 

When disturbed, the Fallow Deer 'pronk' around with all four legs held stiffly before taking cover.

Footprint Images: 
Footprint Description: 

Outer "wall" of cleaves straight or slightly concave. Toe pads very distinct, often the raised areas of the foot are the only visible parts.Insde edges of cleaves parallel or sometimes slightly concave.Longer, slender overall appearance compared to other Deer tracks. Splaying tends to be more prevalant on forefeet than hindfeet. 2 dew claws sometimes apparent in tracks on very soft ground.

Footprint Size: 

Varies, but generally around 6.5x4cm

Images of Tracks : 
Tracks Description: 

"Fallow rings" are usually made by a Master Buck on his 'stand' during the rut in October. Always found round a stump. The size of the slots (tracks) that made the ring indicates Fallow. These rings, however, were found fresh in March, so they would be the activity of a young buck, as it is only young bucks that still have higher levels of testosterone so will be practising this behaviour. (The older bucks are usually completely spent after a couple of weeks of rutting in October and are certainly no good after a few months! Also their testosterone levels will be dropping getting ready for antler casting so rutting behaviour is reduced). If a doe was missed she will come into season every month in winter until she is covered, hence the finding of really young fawns in August. This will also stimulate younger bucks to carry out this behaviour.

Droppings Images : 
Droppings Description : 

Fallow Deer droppings usually measure 1.1x1.5cm, are adhesive, black and shiny when fresh. Distinctly indented at one end, pointed at the other.Round in cross section. In summer they are deposited in lines or clumps, while in Winter they are deposited individually.