Fallow deer – Dama dama – Gamo is a species of deer native to western Eurasia but has been introduced in many other parts of the world as an ornamental and game animal.
They are a medium-sized deer with a distinctive coat that can vary in color from reddish-brown to black. Their most striking feature is the palmate antlers of the males, which are shed and regrown every year. Females, on the other hand, do not have antlers.
Fallow deer are herbivorous and feed on a variety of vegetation, including grasses, leaves, and bark. They are active primarily during the early morning and late afternoon, spending the rest of the day resting or ruminating.
Fallow deer live in herds, typically composed of females and their young. Males form their own separate groups or may roam alone. During the breeding season, males compete for access to females, often engaging in ritualized fights and displays.
Overall, the Fallow deer is a fascinating and adaptable animal that has been able to thrive in many different environments around the world.
Fallow deer – Dama dama – Gamo in Spain
Fallow deer (Dama dama), Gamo in Spanish, are rumored to have been introduced to Spain by the Romans, and now they are widely distributed throughout the country. They are found in both the Iberian Peninsula and the Balearic Islands.
In mainland Spain, Fallow deer populations are present in most regions, including Galicia, Asturias, Cantabria, Basque Country, Navarra, Catalonia, Aragon, Valencia, Castilla y León, Extremadura, Madrid, Andalusia, and Murcia.
The population size of Fallow deer varies by region, with some areas having larger populations than others. In some regions, Fallow deer populations are managed as game animals and are subject to hunting regulations.
Overall, the Fallow deer is a well-established species in Spain and is an important part of the country’s biodiversity.
Further reading
Wikipedia has an extensive page about the Fallow deer – Dama dama – Gamo https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/European_fallow_deer
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