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Fallow deer stands 91-97 cm at the shoulder and appear thin. Males
weigh 79 - 102 kg but may lose 9 - 23 kg during rut. Females weigh 36 - 41
kg. |
Description. Fallow deers are a medium sized, rangy deer, adult males with large palmate antlers. Bucks develop "spike" antlers beginning in their first year and until 3-4 years old, grow and cast only antlers comprised of beams and simple points. At 3-4 years of age males may develop antlers with broad, palmate areas that measure 8-25 cm in width; total length of antlers is up to 39 cm. Habits Fallow deer do much of their feeding in open, grassy areas but require tree cover and undergrowth for shelter and winter food. Deciduous or mixed woodlands on gently rolling terrain are best, but conifer forests may be suitable in some places. The Edwards Plateau region, with its mosaic of oak mottes, juniper brushland, and grassy areas is well suited for fallow deer. Rutting Rutting may begin in mid-September and continue into November but peak breeding activity takes place in October. During rut, bucks mark off and defend a small area, known as a "stand," from which other rutting males are excluded' females and young remain within the male territories and as each do comes into heat, she is followed until mating is accomplished. After the rut, males gradually cease defending their territories and form "bachelor groups," while females and young remain segregated from males and in their own groups. The gestation period is approximately 7½ months, with most fawning occurring from late May through June. Generally, only a single fawn is born, although twins are not uncommon. Females reach sexual maturity at 16 months and can bear their first fawns by 2 years of age. Bucks mature sexually at 14 monts but rarely compete successfully in rutting until several years later. Bucks attain physical maturity at 6 years of age. LIFE SPAN IS ABOUT 11 - 15 YEARS, WITH A MAXIMUM RECORD OF 25 YEARS. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
