Deer Field Signs - Droppings - New Forest | The Explorers Guide

Deer field signs - droppings New Forest deer / Deer field signs - find out lots more Deer droppings invariably signify thatdeer have passed along the way

The study of animal droppings is not to everybody's liking, but droppings provide a useful indication that deer are present, and may even help identify the species. Size is a crucial clue, whilst other characteristics help build a more complete picture.

Unfortunately, though, not all droppings exhibit the standard characteristics popularly associated with each species. Diet, condition and size of the animal all have an influence, but used in combination with other field signs, a knowledge of dropping characteristics can be a useful tool in the nature detective's armoury.

Fallow Deer: medium size droppings, 1 - 1.5 centimetres x .8 - 1.2 centimetres, oval shape similar to those of red deer, black changing to brown.

Red Deer: large droppings, 2 - 2.5 centimetres x 1.3 - 1.8 centimetres, initially black and shiny, gradually becoming duller and more dark brown, cylindrical / acorn-shaped, often pointed at one end, rounded or slightly concave at the other.

Roe Deer: small droppings: 1 - 1.4 centimetres x 0.7 - 1 centimetre, shiny, nearly black and glossy when fresh, cylindrical pellets often pointed at one end, the other end rounded.

Sika Deer: medium size droppings, 1 - 1.5 centimetres x .8 - 1.2 centimetres, glossy black, one end flat, indented or rounded, the other pointed.

Reeves muntjac: small droppings, 1 - 1.3 centimetres x .5 - 1.1 centimetres, black, rounded or cylindrical and sometimes with a point at one or both ends.

New Forest deer field signs - find out lots more

Introduction Slots in the mud Droppings Signs of the rut Some other common signs

New Forest deer - find out lots more

Bolderwood Deer Sanctuary New Forest Deer - numbers, origins and management Deer annual life cycles Obtaining a closer views of New Forest deer Deer field signs betray presence New Forest Fallow deer - identification and behaviour New Forest Red deer - identification and behaviour New Forest Reeves muntjac deer - identification and behaviour New Forest Roe deer - identification and behaviour New Forest Sika deer - identification and behaviour

References: The History of British Mammals: Derek Yalden Roe Deer: John K. Fawcett, British Deer Society New Forest Roe Deer: John K. Fawcett Deer Watch: Richard Prior Mammals of Britain and Europe: David McDonald, Priscilla Barret Field Guide to British Deer: F J Taylor Page

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