Roe deer
[ Capreolus capreolus ]
Curiosity
The roe deer barks.
The bark is a deep and rhythmic sound very similar to the hoarse barking of a dog and is used by roe deer, males and females, on different occasions. It is used both as an alarm signal when the roe deer is frightened and as a territorial signal by the males.
Description
Anatomy: The roe deer is a small cervid with long and slender legs. The tail is very short and does not emerge from the fur, although in the female there is a tuft of hair that covers the vulva. The male has small antlers with only three points; these fall every year (October – December) and grow back at the end of winter.
Teeth: The permanent teeth include 32 teeth. As with the red deer, age estimation is performed by assessing the wear of the dental table.
Coat: The mantle is red/brown in summer and then takes on more gray shades in winter. In autumn/winter the white anal patch stands out.
Habitat /
Habits
Habitat: Plains, hills and mountains. It prefers mixed broad-leaved woods with rich undergrowth, interspersed with meadows and fields.
Habits: It is especially active at dusk.
Reproduction
Species: Polygamous
Sexual maturity: 2 years
Reproductive period: July – August
Gestation: 290 days (about 9 – 10 months)
Births: May – June
Number of cubs: 1 – 2
Diet
Herbivorous
It feeds on herbaceous and woody plants, small fruits, brambles, shoots and buds of young plants.
