Deer Guide
Deer have been part of the UK’s ecosystems for centuries, playing a vital role in biodiversity. By grazing, they help shape woodlands and grasslands, creating habitats for other wildlife.
Deer also serve as prey for top predators in ecosystems where such relationships still exist.
Deer are herbivores, primarily feeding on grass, leaves, and shrubs.
Their foraging behaviour can have both positive and negative impacts on the environment, depending on population density and habitat conditions.
Why We Manage Deer Populations
While deer are an integral part of the UK’s ecology, their rising numbers in certain areas have led to challenges:
Overgrazing: Excessive grazing can hinder woodland regeneration and affect biodiversity.
Road Collisions: Deer are involved in thousands of road traffic accidents annually, especially in areas near dense deer populations.
Crop Damage: Deer feeding habits can impact agricultural yields, leading to economic concerns for farmers.
Garden Damage: In urban areas, deer may forage on ornamental plants, causing frustration for homeowners.
However, in most cases, their presence is benign and even beneficial due to their pest control abilities.
Pathogens and Disease
Deer are generally not a direct health risk to humans. However, they can carry ticks, which may transmit Lyme disease.
Additionally, diseases like bovine tuberculosis (bTB), though rare, can be found in deer and pose risks to livestock.
Avoid handling deer or their carcasses without appropriate protective measures.conservation authorities to explore safe and legal ways to manage the situation.
Did you know:
Red deer are excellent swimmers and are known to swim between islands in Scotland's Inner Hebrides.
DEER BIOLOGY
TYPES OF DEER IN THE UK
Red Deer (Cervus elaphus): The largest UK deer species, commonly found in Scotland and some English woodlands.
Roe Deer (Capreolus capreolus): Small and agile, often seen in forests and farmland.
Fallow Deer (Dama dama): Recognizable by their spotted coats, commonly found in parklands and estates.
Muntjac Deer (Muntiacus reevesi): A smaller, invasive species introduced from Asia, often spotted in woodlands and gardens.
Sika Deer (Cervus nippon): Similar in size to fallow deer, primarily found in Scotland and some southern regions.
REPRODUCTION
Deer have remarkable reproductive capabilities, allowing populations to grow rapidly under favorable conditions. Most species have a seasonal breeding cycle, with mating occurring in the autumn. After a gestation period of around 6 to 8 months, females (does) typically give birth in the spring when food is plentiful.
Fawn Production: Most deer species produce one to two fawns per year, though some, like roe deer, may have twins or even triplets in rare cases.
Early Development: Fawns are highly vulnerable in their first few weeks of life, but they grow quickly and can begin foraging alongside their mothers within weeks.
Population Growth: Under optimal conditions, deer populations can double within a few years, which is why active management is often necessary to prevent overpopulation and habitat degradation.
DIET
Deer are herbivores, relying on a varied diet of plants, which changes with the seasons to match food availability:
Spring and Summer: Fresh grasses, herbs, leaves, and shoots form the bulk of their diet. In these seasons, their nutritional intake focuses on energy for growth and reproduction.
Autumn: As the rut approaches and temperatures drop, deer shift to more calorie-dense foods like acorns, fruits, and nuts to build fat reserves for winter.
Winter: During harsh conditions, deer often survive on woody plants, including bark, twigs, and evergreen foliage, as other food sources become scarce.
Their selective feeding habits play a vital role in shaping ecosystems, helping to control vegetation growth. However, overgrazing by large populations can lead to habitat damage, impacting biodiversity and forest regeneration.
By understanding deer biology, behavior, and diet, we can better appreciate their role in the ecosystem and adopt effective strategies for managing their populations in sustainably.
SIGNS OF DEER ACTIVITY
Deer activity can often be identified through:
Tracks: Cloven hoofprints in soft ground.
Bark Stripping: Evidence of bark damage on young trees.
Droppings: Distinctive pellet-shaped feces.
Plant Damage: Ragged edges on grazed leaves and stems.
Did you know:
While most deer in the wild live up to 12 years, some red deer have been known to live over 20 years.
MANAGING DEER
PROFESSIONAL DEER MANAGEMENT
For significant deer issues, consult professional wildlife or conservation specialists, who have the expertise, knowledge and licensing to manage deer populations legally and ethically.
DEER AND THE LAW
DEER MANAGEMENT LEGISLATION
Deer are protected under the Deer Act 1991, which regulates hunting seasons and methods to ensure humane management. While it is legal to cull deer under certain circumstances, strict guidelines must be followed. Any action involving deer should comply with local wildlife laws and regulations.
