What do you picture when you think about deer in European forests? Many people imagine a character like Bambi — big eyes, tall ears, and white spots. But the story of deer in Europe is much more diverse.
In this short video, we take a closer look at the deer family, known scientifically as the Cervidae. Europe is home to several species, each with its own habits and characteristics. Red deer, for example, are large and social animals that often live in herds and migrate seasonally to lower elevations during winter. Roe deer, on the other hand, are smaller and usually more solitary, though they sometimes gather in small groups during colder months. Other species, such as sika deer, were originally introduced from East Asia and are now also part of some European landscapes.
Deer also play an important ecological role in forests. Unlike cattle, which graze on grasses, deer are browsers, selectively feeding on leaves, shoots, and shrubs. Their feeding habits influence forest regeneration and vegetation structure, making them an integral part of forest ecosystems.
Watch the video below to learn more about deer in Europe’s forests. 🦌
This video is produced by Deer Observer project, in collaboration with Wildcard project and European Forest Institute.
Featured Image: veneration / Adobe Stock
