Metsäkauriita

Metsäkauriita, scientific name Capreolus capreolus, are the smallest deer species native to Europe and parts of Asia. They are common throughout Finland, where they are known as metsäkauris. These graceful animals are typically reddish-brown in the summer, fading to a duller greyish-brown in winter. A distinctive feature is their white rump patch, which is more prominent in males and more circular in females.

Metsäkauriita are primarily herbivores, feeding on a variety of leaves, shoots, berries, and grasses. Their diet varies seasonally, and they are known to browse on agricultural crops as well. They are most active during dawn and dusk, spending much of the day resting in cover. Their habitat preference is for mixed forests and woodland edges, but they can also be found in open fields and meadows, especially when foraging.

In Finland, the population of metsäkauriita has grown in recent decades, leading to increased sightings and interactions with humans. They are generally solitary or live in small family groups. During the mating season, known as the rut, males become more territorial and can be heard calling out. Females typically give birth to one or two fawns in late spring. Despite their small size, metsäkauriita are agile and can move quickly, often relying on their keen senses of smell and hearing to detect danger. Their presence is considered an indicator of healthy forest ecosystems.