Metsäkauriit

Metsäkauriit, scientific name Capreolus capreolus, are the smallest deer species native to Europe and parts of Asia. They are found in a wide range of habitats, including forests, woodlands, meadows, and agricultural areas. Metsäkauriit are herbivores, primarily feeding on leaves, twigs, grass, and berries.

These deer are characterized by their slender build, reddish-brown coat in the summer that turns greyish-brown in winter, and a short, black-tipped tail. Males, known as bucks, possess antlers that are shed annually, typically growing back larger each year. Female metsäkauriit are called does and do not have antlers.

Metsäkauriit are generally solitary animals, although they may form small family groups, especially during winter. They are most active during dawn and dusk. Their breeding season, or rut, occurs in the summer months, and does typically give birth to one or two fawns in the spring. Fawns are born with spotted coats, which help them camouflage in their surroundings.

Despite their relatively small size, metsäkauriit are agile and can move quickly to escape predators such as wolves, lynx, and large birds of prey. Their populations have generally been stable or increasing across much of their range, benefiting from habitat management and conservation efforts. They are a common sight in many rural landscapes.