Western Roe Deer

Western roe deer are relatively small deer inhabiting woodlands, forest margins, farmland, meadows, and mosaics of shrubs and open vegetation across Europe and adjoining western Asia. Their coats change seasonally, becoming richer reddish brown in summer and grayer during winter. Males carry short antlers and establish territories during the breeding season. Individuals may be solitary or form loose groups, with social organization changing according to season, food availability, and reproductive condition. (Animal Diversity Web)

Roe deer are selective herbivores known to consume roughly one thousand plant species. Their diet emphasizes soft, water-rich, energy-dense foods, including woody plants, herbaceous dicots, and grasses; conifer needles are mainly eaten when winter limits alternatives. Females average approximately 1.6 offspring. Their reproductive cycle includes delayed implantation, resulting in a total interval near ten months even though active embryonic development is shorter. Mothers provide the principal care and protection of fawns. (Animal Diversity Web)