Red Deer

(Cervus elaphus)

Red deer are the largest terrestrial mammal in the U.K. having migrated to Britain from Europe 11,000 years ago.  While preferring woodland and forest habitats in England and southern Scotland, red deer can adapt to open moor and hills as they have in parts of Scotland and the south-west.  Antlers are cast during March/April and begin to regrow to be fully formed and clear of velvet in August/September.

Gestation period:

236 days

Threats to species:

The main threat in the UK is the hybridisation with  the introduced Sika deer (Cervus nippon).

Conservation Today for Wildlife Tomorrow