Fallow deer by Mark Ollett 1/4
Fallow deer by Mark Ollett 2/4
Fallow deer by Elizabeth Dack 3/4
Fallow deer by Elizabeth Dack 4/4

Fallow Deer Dama dama

Until the recent range expansion and population explosion of the muntjac, the fallow deer was probably the best-known deer in Norfolk, by virtue of being the most commonly-kept species in parks. Perhaps surprisingly, it is not widespread in the wild in Norfolk, being largely restricted to the north-west and the extensive conifer plantations of the Brecks. It is probably the most social of our deer, occurring in large herds. In October males rut to gain control of, and mate with, harems of females.

Conservation status

Fallow deer are non-native in Norfolk and the rest of the UK. They are believed to have originated in Asia but to have been introduced to the Mediterranean by people thousands of years ago. They were brought to the UK by the Normans and quickly naturalised across much of the country. They are not of conservation concern in Norfolk.

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Details

Did you know? Fallow fawns are born in midsummer. By October, when their mothers may again become impregnated during the rut, the young are weaned.

Outside the rut, when they become aggressive and defend their own rutting stands, male fallow deer tend to live peaceably together in small bachelor herds.
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