Red Deer Hind. XMM 3729-358
In Britain most red deer are found on the open moorlands of the Highlands and Islands of Scotland, although scattered populations are found elsewhere such as north west England, East Anglia, Exmoor and Ireland. Range and numbers greatly reduced in historic times, becoming extinct in much of England, Wales and the Scottish Lowlands by the end of the 18th century. Subsequent increase in numbers associated with the development of deer stalking as a sport, under-culling of females, and to colonisation of forestry plantations. Contemporary population is likely to exceed ,000 animals. About 80% of the Scottish red deer population live in open-hill habitats year-round. These animals tend to be smaller and produce fewer young than those resident in woodland habitat. On the open hill, males and females usually remain in separate groups for much of the year, the females (hinds) tending to monopolise the better, relatively grass-rich, habitats. In contrast, the males (stags) tend to utilise poorer heather-dominant feeding areas. Grasses, sedges and rushes comprise the bulk of the summer diet, with dwarf-shrubs such as heather and blaeberry being more important in winter. Young trees are also browsed. In winter red deer usually concentrate on sheltered lower ground, moving to higher altitude summer feeding areas. In open habitats, such as moorland, hinds are typically organised into groups of upto 40 animals, consisting of a dominant hind, her dependent offspring, and her mature daughters together with their offspring, all sharing over-lapping ranges. In contrast, stag groups are less stable and comprise unrelated individuals. Group-size of red deer occupying woodland habitats tends to be smaller than those of the open hill. Mating takes place from the end of September to November. At this time (the "rut") mature stags, perhaps 5 to 6 years of age, leave the bachelor groups to seek out hinds at traditional rutting sites. Here the stags attempt to defend groups of 10-15
Size: 3572px × 5378px
Location: Inverness-shire, Scottish Highlands, Scotland. United Kingdom.
Photo credit: © David Gowans / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No
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