Fallow Deer
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Footprint Images
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.
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.
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.
Footprint Size
Varies, but generally around 6.5x4cm
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.
Behaviour is dependent upon the environment and population density. In most populations bucks maintain a traditional, defended rutting stand. In others a temporary rutting stand is maintained to attract sufficient does to herd them into a harem. In areas with very high buck densities a lek may be formed. In lower density areas bucks may simply seek out receptive females. During conflict, the escalation of display behaviour in bucks, from groaning and parallel walks to fighting, is in common with other larger species of deer.
Taxonomy
Images of Tracks & Signs
Male
Primary Image
Reproduction
Does give birth to a single fawn in early June.
Scientific Name
Dama dama
Female
Height
Predators
Tracks & Signs 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.
Juvenile
Length
Both male and female Fallow Deer may grow to 95cms at the shoulder.
Weight
The male Fallow Deer weighs between 50 - 95kgs, but the female is about half this weight at 55kgs.
Speed
Droppings Images
Life Span
Up to 16 years, but 8 - 10 years being the norm.
Also Known As
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.
Status
Did You Know?
When disturbed, the Fallow Deer 'pronk' around with all four legs held stiffly before taking cover.