|Red Deer (Cervus elaphus)| Red Deer are one of the most widely
distributed species of deer being found in the temperate zones
of Europe, Asia and North America as well as introduced
populations in places such as New Zealand. There are 12 sub-
species the one in Scotland being Cervus elaphus scoticus. The
Red Deer is one of only two species of deer native to the
British Isles and, while the Red Deer is essentially a creature
of woodland, the British population had to adapt to a moorland
habitat as the old Caledonian forests disappeared. This poorer
habitat has led to the British sub-species being smaller than
others. In summer the Red Deer are dark red or brown in colour
while in winter they are dark brown or grey. The annual rut
lasts about six weeks around October. The stags break away from
the stag herds to set up harems of hinds. Brutal fights break
out between these master stags and intruders trying to take over
the harem. After a gestation period of 8 months, calves are born
mainly in early June. There i