Dama dama
Spotted Daniel (Dama dama)
Spotted Daniel (Dama dama) is a medium-sized deer native to Europe and Asia Minor. Its population has been introduced to many other parts of the world, including North America, Australia and South Africa. Here are some interesting facts about this species:
Description
- Size: Males are larger than females, reaching a height at the withers from 85 to 110 cm and a body length from 140 to 160 cm. Females are smaller, with a height of 75 to 90 cm and a length of 130 to 150 cm.
- Weight: Males weigh from 60 to 100 kg, while females weigh from 30 to 50 kg.
- Color: The color of the coat changes depending on the season. In summer, the fur is reddish-brown with prominent white spots on the sides. In winter, the color changes to dark gray to black, and the spots are less visible.
- Antlers: Males have distinctive shovel-shaped antlers that change each year. Females do not have antlers.
Habitat and Distribution
- Habitat: Spotted Daniel prefers deciduous and mixed forests with open meadows where he can find plenty of food. It is also often found in parks and agricultural areas.
- Distribution: Originally from the Mediterranean region, but has been introduced to many parts of the world including the UK, North America and New Zealand.
Food
- Diet: The Spotted Daniel is a ruminant and its diet includes a wide variety of plant foods including grass, leaves, buds, tree bark and fruit. In winter, it feeds mainly on bark and shoots, when other food is less available.
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