Deer

The roe deer, an elegant forest dweller, is a common wild animal in Europe. This fact sheet provides a detailed overview of the biology and ecology of the roe deer and highlights the importance of its protection and conservation in natural habitats.

Deer Products

Profile: Deer

  • Scientific classification

    • Class: Mammalia (mammals)
    • Order: Artiodactyla (even-toed ungulates)
    • Family: Cervidae (deer)
    • Subfamily: Capreolinae (true deer)
    • Genus: Capreolus
    • Species: Capreolus capreolus (European roe deer)

  • Physical characteristics

    • Size: Body length from 95-140 cm
    • Shoulder height: 63-75 cm
    • Weight: 15-30 kg, depending on gender and region
    • Special features: Reddish-brown fur in summer, grey-brown fur in winter, white patch on the buttocks, long, slender legs, ears with black borders.

  • Habitat and distribution

    • Common regions: Europe, parts of Asia
    • Habitat: Forests, meadows, fields, preferably near water; adaptable to different habitats.

  • Nutrition

    • Diet: Herbivore
    • Typical food: grasses, herbs, leaves, shoots, buds, fruits, acorns and other fattening crops.

  • Reproduction and lifestyle

    • Mating season: July to August
    • Gestation period: Approx. 9 months
    • Litter size: 1-3 fawns per litter
    • Brood care: Females raise the young alone
    • Social structure: Mostly in small family groups, solitary outside the mating season.

  • Lifespan and protection status

    • Life expectancy: Up to 16 years in the wild
    • Endangered status: Not threatened, but habitat loss, poaching and traffic accidents can affect local populations.
    • Conservation measures: conservation and protection of habitats, hunting regulation, education on wildlife management.