Deer

Chinese Water Deer (Hydropotes inermis)

Recognition. A small species intermediate between muntjac and roe deer.

No antlers but large protruding tusks in bucks, which are generally only visible in adults. The tusks are used as weapons during the rut and in defence against predators. Their large ears are rounded giving a "teddy bear" like appearance. Coat a russet-brown in summer pale to grey-brown in the winter. Water deer lack the white caudal patch of roe deer.

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Muntjac (Muntiacus reevesi)

Recognition: Small, stocky, they are a russet brown in summer, grey brown in winter. There distinctive with there long pedicles, short antlers and visible upper canines in the bucks.

Their large facial glands below the eyes are very distinctive. Ginger forehead with pronounced black lines running to the pedicles in bucks, dark U shape in does. Haunches higher than withers, giving a hunched appearance. Fairly wide tail, which is held erect when disturbed.

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Roe Deer (Capreolus capreolus)

Social Structure: Roe are normally seen in loose family groups or as single animals. Bucks are mostly solitary whereas does will be accompanied by kids most of the year. May form small groups over winter and early spring

Body Condition: As selective browsers, body condition will be particularly affected by seasonal growth patterns and availability of preferred food types. (e.g. hot summers may suppress herb growth resulting in lactating females being unable to maintain condition).

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Fallow Deer (Dama dama)

Recognition: Intermediate in size between roe and red deer. There are four main variations in c

oat but many minor variations also exist including a long-haired version found in Mortimer forest, Shropshire.

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Sika (Cervus nippon)

Recognition. Intermediate in size between roe and red deer. Similar pelage to fallow deer, but darker. Reddish brown to yellow-brown, dark dorsal stripe surrounded by white spots in the summer. Dark grey to black, spots faint or absent during the winter. Tail shorter and with less distinct stripe than fallow. Very distinct white gland on hind leg.

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Red Deer (Cervus elaphus)

Recognition. Our largest land-mammal. Summer coat is reddish brown to brown, winter coat is brown to grey. No spots present in adult coat. Large, highly branched antlers in the stag (male).

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