NO. 26 : Species explorer- Fallow Deer

Fallow Deer
Dama dama

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Amy Lewis
About
A large, elegant deer, males have broad, 'palmate' antlers. During the autumnal breeding season, known as the 'rut', males make a loud belly-belch to proclaim their territory and will fight over the females. Fallow Deer prefer deciduous or mixed woodland with large clearings. They are also common in many deer parks throughout the country.
How to identify
Fallow Deer are variable in colour: most are a pale gingery-brown with white spots on the back, a characteristic black and white tail and a white rump patch outlined in black. Some animals are darker brown without any spots, and others are very pale, almost white. Look out for a group of quite large deer with white spots in a sunny woodland glade.
Where to find it
Fairly widespread in England, Wales, Ireland and southern Scotland.

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