Fallow deer are very common inhabitants of the reserve, how to spot them? Search the white one! Learn more about them in the article.
The Fallow Deer (Dama dama L.) is an artiodactyl mammal of the cervid family. The species was completely extinct in Europe, however, deliberate introductions for hunting purposes and escapes from the aristocratic estates, gave rise to breeding populations. Even today, the forests of the Ticino Valley give home to diverse populations. It is not uncommon, in fact, to observe within the park the White Fallow Deer a tangible sign of man's domestication of these species and the various crosses made in past years that characterize different coat types.
The fallow deer is an extremely adaptable species that survives well in many environments, although its favorites are broadleaf forested areas near clearings or open patches. The fallow deer is “not so wild," in the sense that it is not wary, and in particular females, which live in even quite large groups, together with their cubs, can be easily observed even during the daytime, resulting in little fear of humans. Older males, on the other hand, which lead mostly solitary lives and inhabit more inaccessible areas, are very cautious and difficult to approach by humans and other animals. This species generally has no preference as to where to live and graze. Its food consists of grass, leaves, shoots and fruits, and certain types of mushrooms.
The mating season lasts between mid-October and early November; during this period, males, usually solitary, join groups of females and cubs, and defining their own territory, drive out young males. The latter, forming small groups, remain on the fringes of the territories of the older males, hoping to mate with some female unbeknownst to the dominant male. Near parturition, the female isolates herself from the herd and gives birth in the bush to one or two cubs; twin births are not uncommon. The cubs are able to see and walk as early as a few hours after birth; they will be brought to the pack only when they are about ten days old. The cub becomes independent at about one year of age, although it takes at least another six months before it reaches sexual maturity.
The antlers fall off around March-June to regrow quickly and be ready by late August early September.
The average lifespan of wild fallow deer is around 9-10 years; it can increase if they are found in captivity.
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Bibliography
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Bogliani G (2004): I mammiferi del parco del Ticino, Arti grafiche Stefano Pinelli