Thursday, 09 February 2012
Roe deer
Scientific Name:
Capreolus capreolus
Weight:
15 - 30kg
Lifespan:
Max: 16 years. Bucks rarely exceed 5 years, does 6 to 7 years. Heavy mortality at and shortly after birth and during first winter Description
The Roe is the smallest native British deer and its coat varies from grey/brown to black in winter, and reddish/brown to sandy in summer. Their antlers are much less ornate than those of the larger Red Deer. There is an insignificant tail and a whitish patch on the rump. Their facial appearance suggests a 'moustache'.
Distribution
Roe deer may be found throughout the British Isles, but they are more commonly found in East Anglia, Scotland, southern counties of England and the Lake District.
Habitat
Roe Deer tend to inhabit open woodland which provides the cover they seek to pass generally unnoticed.
Diet
Browsers that activley select different food types including herbs, brambles, ivy, heather, bilberry & coniferous tree shoots.
Behaviour
Roe deer are active throughout the 24-hour period but make more use of open spaces during the hours of darkness in populations experiencing frequent disturbance. Peak times of activity are at dawn and dusk. Long periods are spent "lying up", which is where the deer lies down to ruminate between feeding bouts.
Reproduction
Delayed implantation. Although mating occurs in August the fertilised egg does not implant and grow until January. This is thought to be an adaptation to avoid giving birth during harsh northern winters. Time of birth. May to June. Number of offspring. Up to 3, usually 1 or 2 kids. Gestation period. 9 months (4 months of
Status
Not considered to be endangered, even though many young deer to not reach adulthood. Foxes are their main predators.
Did You Know?
Roe Deer usually bear only one fawn in the Spring, which weans at 6 - 10 weeks. Roe deer are native to Britain, having been present since before the Mesolithic period (6000 to 10000 years b.p.). Forest clearance and over-hunting led to roe deer becoming extinct in England by 1800 but remained in wooded patches in Scotland. Several reintroductions during Victorian times and their subsequent, natural spread aided by an increase in woodland and forest planting in the 20th century has meant that roe deer have become widespread and abundant today. When alarmed bucks and does (males and females) give a short bark, which is often repeated. During the rut does make a high-pitched piping call to attract a buck who makes a rasping noise as he courts the doe.
Footprint Image
Footprint Description
Dew claws sometimes apparent in soft ground.Splaying can indicate slippage or the animal running at speed.Evenly laid down tracks can have a heart shaped appearance.
Footprint Size
5x4cm
Track Images
Droppings Images
Droppings Description
Roe Deer droppings can either be found in clustered or loose form.Usually deposited in regular latrine areas in quiet,secluded spots.Individual droppingsare roughly pea sized,and are slightly tapered at one end.