Fallow deer

Size

The fallow deer is larger in size than the roe deer. Stags weigh between 60 and 100 kg, does 30 to 50kg.

Ecology

Fallow deer predominantly feed in open, grassy areas, and although they are very adaptable to most ecological conditions, they require tree cover and undergrowth for shelter and food in winter.
For most of the year adult does with yearlings and fawns form one group, while the stags live away from the hinds in a second distinct group. The groups rejoin for the rut, and it is only then that any territorial behaviour is displayed by fallow deer. The mating call of the stag sounds like a grunt and unlike the red deer it is not heard over very long distances.

Food habits

The fallow deer eats various types of grasses, shoots and shrubs.

Longevity

The fallow deer lives for 10 to 15 years in the wild, and in zoos for 20 years.

Reproduction

Stags fight often and violently during the rut, but incur very few injuries as their fights involve ritual shoving with antlers, and follow fixed behavioural rules. The antlers are shed during spring and grow back during autumn in anticipation of the rutting period. The gestation period is eight months and the doe gives birth to a single fawn.

Conservation status

The fallow deer was introduced into Sweden from central Asia in the 16th century. It usually inhabits parks and enclosed areas. Wild fallow deer are also found in the central and southern parts of Sweden, but these populations are dependent on conservation efforts for their long-term survival.