How to identify Roe deer (Capreolus capreolus)
Types of deer UK
This week we are talking about another type of deer that can be found in the UK. The Roe deer can be found throughout the UK, excluding Northern Ireland and of all six species found in the British countryside, is a true native species to the United Kingdom with records of their existence dating as far back as 6,000 – 10,000 years BC. Roe bucks (male) can vary from 60 – 70cm in height at the shoulder and can weigh somewhere in the region of 15 – 25kg. Roe does (female) can vary from 60 – 65cm in height at the shoulder and weigh somewhere between 15 – 20kg.
A fantastic video of a Roe doe with her two youngsters kindly sent in from one of our valued supporters. If you look closely and use the identifying features given below, you can clearly see their identifying features and also see the adult doe has successfully raised a buck and a doe.
Key identifying features of Roe deer:
· A very distinct rusty brown/red coat during the summer period turning to a shade of grey during the winter months.
· Roe deer have no visible tail.
· A distinct white rump.
· Large black eyes, nose and mouth. Generally described as possessing a distinctive black moustache.
· Large mobile ears.
· Roe bucks have a small set of antlers with a texture often described as ‘pearling’.
· During the winter months It is possible to determine sexes by a downward pointing tuft of hair on the rump of Roe does that the bucks do not have.
Head over to our YouTube channel where you can also view a quick and easy guide on how to identify Roe deer.
To identify Roe bucks:
To identify Roe does:
Don't forget to join us next week and learn all about how we can identify Chinese Water Deer from their key identifying features.
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