RED DEER

The Red Deer (Cervus elaphus) is the leading star of Parnitha’s fauna. It lives and is reproduced in a natural environment, in Parnitha National Park. Only two large, natural populations of this species are left in our country, one in Rhodopi and the biggest one in Parnitha, where it is estimated that more than 500 individuals exist (Papika, 2007). A breeding ground of 0,3 hectares was established in 1961 for the species’ protection, on Palaeochori.

Red Deer exist in the whole mountain. During the winter they come down to areas of low altitudes, seeking for food. In the fall, during the breeding season, the voices of adult males calling the females, are heard all-over the mountain. Press here
to listen to an adult male, trying to attract as many females as possible, in order to form its "harem" (deer are polygamous species).

Female deer don’t have buckhorns and they give birth to usually one offspring, each spring. Young deer have white dots, that fade away, as they grow. Only male deer have buckthorns, which are covered by a velvet coat as they arise, and deer try to exuviate it, by rubbing their buckthorns on trees. When the buckthorns are fully grown, they are dismissed and new ones arise every year.

Deer are herbivorous, feeding mostly on herbs, young twigs, fruits, seeds and mushrooms. They live near springs and streams and they love mud, in which they roll in, in order to take off their fur’s parasites.