The European fallow deer (or Dama dama) is an ungulate found in grasslands and woodlands throughout Europe. The coat is tan with rows of white spots on the body, with a pale underside and throat, although there are various morphs such as leucism (white), melanism (black) and menil (paler coat without tail markings) occurring in European fallow deer as well. Males, called bucks, have large palmate antlers which span an average length of 60cm when fully developed, whereas females, called does, do not. Bucks are larger than does, with a head-body length of 1.4m to 1.6m and shoulder height of 0.85m to 0.95m; while does are 1.3m to 1.5m long with a shoulder height of 0.75m to 0.85m.
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Dama dama
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Animal Facts
While a species of fallow deer was native to Europe before the last ice age, the European fallow deer is thought to be native to Turkey, Italy and Greece. It is suspected the Romans spread this species throughout the continent during their rule.
European fallow deer have excellent eyesight and hearing and can detect very slight movements in their surroundings which helps them to avoid predation.
The antlers of the European fallow deer can be up to 60cm long and are shed every year.
While the antlers of the European fallow deer are growing, they are covered in ‘velvet’. When growth is complete, the velvet is shed and antlers may temporarily have a tattered appearance.
A fallow deer fawn can start walking 30 minutes after birth.
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