Physical Description
The Roe Deer is a small species of deer, its body is small but strong and supported by short legs, and this gives it a rather stocky solid appearance. The Roe Deer is the smallest species of deer native to Europe.
Only males have antlers. These are lost each spring, and regrow again in time for the summer rut. Typically males have antlers that have a total of 6 tines, but young or weak animals may have antlers with less. The antlers are about 30 cm in length. Antlers are used by the males when competing for females in the summer breeding season.
Distribution and Habitat
The Roe Deer has a large distribution range, and is found across temperate parts of Europe and Asia. They occur as far east as Siberia. Animals from the east of its range are larger and heavier than animals found in Europe.
The Roe Deer is a highly adaptable animal, which is found in a variety of different habitats. It was originally an inhabitant of woodland clearings and glades, preferring areas with thick undergrowth and dense vegetation. However, man has altered the forests of the temperate zones considerably, creating agricultural fields and breaking the thick forests down into smaller areas of woodland. The Roe Deer has adapted well to these changes and has successfully spread across fields and grasslands. It is most often seen along woodland edges, and in areas of scrub. Because of the Roe Deer's flexibility and ability to spread quickly into new habitats it has become the most numerous of Europe's deer species, and has a wide distribution. The Roe Deer is the most frequently seen deer across much of Europe.
