Did you know that a red deer stag will shed and regrow its huge antlers every single year? Or that a muntjac deer can eat up to 85 different types of plants? Read on to find out more about these fascinating creatures.
What do deer eat?
All of the UK’s six deer species are herbivorous, which means they feed on plants. Grasses, sedges, the leaves and shoots of trees and other woody plants are all on the menu. Fruit and berries are sometimes eaten too, while tree bark is taken when other food is scarce.Of the UK’s deer species, only the roe (Capreolus capreolus) and red (Cervus elaphus) are native. Fallow deer (Dama dama) have been present for at least 1,000 years, while muntjac (Muntiacus reevesi), sika (Cervus nippon) and Chinese water deer (Hydropotes inermis) were all introduced within the last 200 years. Each of these species canoccur in woodland, although the Chinese water deer is more commonly found in marshy areas.
Did you know?
On rare occasions deer have been known to eat the eggs and chicks of ground-nesting birds. It’s thought this may take place when deer are unable to source all the nutrients they need from their normal diet.
Unfortunately, the eating habits of deer can sometimes have a negative impact on woodland ecosystems. By feeding onyoung trees, deer can prevent the natural growth of new woodland (a process known as natural regeneration). Large numbers of deer can also eat plants that other wildlife, such as birds and insects, depend on for food and shelter.
Historically, predators such as wolves and lynx would have kept deer numbers in check, limiting these impacts. Free from such predation, UK deer numbers may have now reached a 1,000-year high.As a result,the active management of deer numbers through fencing and/or shooting is sometimes necessary to maintain natural ecological processes in our woodlands.
What are deer antlers made of?
Deer antlers are actually made of bone. All the UK’s species grow antlers except the Chinese water deer. Red deer grow the largest antlers, which can reach an impressive three feet in length and have 15 points or more. Muntjac antlers are the smallest, often growing no longer than 10cm.
Did you know?
The reindeer (Rangifer tarandus) is the only species where both males and females have antlers. There are no truly wild reindeer in the UK, but a free-roaming herd is kept in Scotland’s Cairngorm mountains.
Only males grow antlers, which are shed and regrown each year. When they first emerge, antlers are covered in a soft, hairy-like material known as velvet. This provides oxygen and nutrients to the bone, helping it to grow rapidly. Velvet is eventually shed by rubbing the antlers against a tree. By this point the antlers have completely hardened and are ready to be used in fights between deer.
Why do deer have antlers?
Red, fallow, sika and roe deer all use their antlers to fight for access to females. When ready to breed, rival males will lock antlers, pushing and twisting until the weaker of the two flees, leaving the victor free to mate. This behaviour is known as rutting.
Did you know?
The term stag only refers to male red and sika deer. Males of all other species are known as bucks. Female red and sika deer are called hinds, while females of all other species are known as does.
Muntjac use their antlers to fight, but also use the tusks that protrude from their mouth as weapons. The antler-less Chinese water deer relies solely on its tusks to compete for mating rights. As well as helping deer to find a mate, antlers may also be used to defend against predators.
Did you know?
There are more than 30 species of deer across the world. The moose (Alces alces) is the largest and the smallest is the northern pudu (Pudu mephistophiles), whichis little larger than a domestic cat.
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Greetings, enthusiasts of the natural world! As a seasoned naturalist with a profound understanding of wildlife, let's delve into the captivating realm of deer, unraveling the mysteries that make these creatures truly remarkable.
Firstly, did you know that the red deer stag undergoes a remarkable annual transformation? These majestic beings shed and regrow their massive antlers each year, a fascinating spectacle that sets them apart from other species. This cyclical process is not only visually striking but also serves vital purposes in their lives.
Now, turning our attention to the dietary habits of these enchanting creatures, it's intriguing to note that all six deer species in the UK are herbivorous. They primarily feast on a variety of plants, including grasses, sedges, leaves, shoots, fruits, and berries. Remarkably, on rare occasions, deer have been observed consuming the eggs and chicks of ground-nesting birds, showcasing their adaptability when nutritional needs demand it.
However, the impact of deer on woodland ecosystems is a subject of concern. Their feeding habits, particularly on young trees, can hinder natural regeneration, disrupting the delicate balance of the ecosystem. Historically, predators like wolves and lynx played a role in keeping deer numbers in check, but with their absence, active deer management through measures such as fencing and shooting becomes essential to preserve ecological processes.
Let's shift our focus to the captivating realm of deer antlers. Did you know that these impressive structures are made of bone? Red deer boast the largest antlers among UK species, reaching up to three feet in length with 15 points or more. In contrast, muntjac, the smallest of the bunch, typically grow antlers no longer than 10cm. The annual shedding and regrowth of antlers is a unique and vital aspect of deer biology.
An interesting tidbit: the reindeer, unlike other deer species in the UK, is special as both males and females grow antlers. This feature adds an extra layer of fascination to this species, even though truly wild reindeer are not found in the UK.
But why do deer have antlers? The answer lies in their role during the mating season, a behavior known as rutting. Red, fallow, sika, and roe deer use their antlers to compete for access to females. This intense competition involves locking antlers until the weaker contender retreats, leaving the victorious male free to mate. Each species has its unique approach, with muntjac using both antlers and tusks, and the antler-less Chinese water deer relying solely on tusks for mating rights.
In conclusion, the world of deer is a tapestry woven with biological marvels and ecological intricacies. With over 30 deer species worldwide, each presenting unique characteristics, these creatures continue to captivate the hearts and minds of nature enthusiasts worldwide. So, as you explore your local woodland, keep an eye out for these fascinating beings and the role they play in the intricate dance of nature.
