fallow deer

One of two species of deer. Fallow deer are characterized by the expansion of the upper part of their antlers in palmate form. Usually they stand about 1 m/3.3 ft high, and have small heads, large ears, and rather long tails. In colour they are fawn, with a number of large white spots, or they may be yellowish-brown or, more rarely, dark brown.

The commonest species Dama dama is a native of North Africa and the countries bordering the Mediterranean, but was introduced into Britain at an early period. D. mesopotamica is a native of the mountains of Iran.

Classification The fallow deer is in genus Dama in the Cervidae family of the mammalian order Artiodactyla.