Ruttningar

Ruttningar, commonly translated as rutting, is the annual mating season in deer and other ungulates when males compete for access to sexually receptive females and females become receptive to mating.

Timing and triggers: The rut typically occurs in autumn in temperate regions, though the exact timing varies by species and latitude. It is influenced by photoperiod and hormonal changes, notably rising testosterone in males and ovulation in females. The period lasts from several days to a few weeks.

Behavior: Males display aggression through antler fights, vocalizations, rutting chases, and scent marking. Females show estrus cycles, and mating occurs during estrus. Some species form groups or harems led by a dominant male, while others have more solitary or dispersed patterns of mating.

Ecological and management aspects: Rutting affects movement patterns, predation risk, and population dynamics. Hunters and wildlife managers take the rut into account when planning harvesting and monitoring. In some areas, rutting can increase road traffic incidents and disturbances to wildlife.

Species and variation: While commonly associated with cervids such as red deer, roe deer, moose and caribou, rutting behavior varies widely. Some species have brief, intense rutting, while others exhibit longer or less conspicuous periods.

See also: Rut, Sexual selection.