Fallow deer

Dama dama

Originally native to Western Asia and the eastern Mediterranean region, the fallow deer has been introduced throughout Europe since ancient times as a park and hunting animal. Today, it is a typical inhabitant of cultivated landscapes.

The coat of the fallow deer is highly variable in colour. In addition to the typical white-spotted coat, completely black or white individuals also occur. Males have distinctive broad, palmate antlers. During the autumn rut, bucks establish traditional rutting sites and compete for females. They produce deep, groaning calls to intimidate rivals.