geyik

Geyik is the Turkish term for deer, a common name for members of the family Cervidae. In Turkey, as in much of Europe and Asia, the word is used for several species, most notably the roe deer (Capreolus capreolus) and the red deer (Cervus elaphus).

Description and characteristics: Deer are medium to large ungulates with long legs, a short tail, and specialized hooves. Males typically grow antlers that are shed and regrown each year. Coat color is generally brown to gray, often varying with season and habitat. Size and specific features vary by species.

Habitat and distribution: Geyik inhabit woodlands, forest edges, and mosaic landscapes that provide cover and forage. In Turkey they are found across various regions, from European-influenced habitats to interior Anatolian forests, with populations shaped by forest cover, climate, and human land use.

Behavior and diet: They are herbivores, feeding on grasses, leaves, shoots, fruits, bark, and buds. Roe deer tend to be more solitary or in small groups, while red deer can form larger herds. Activity is typically crepuscular, though patterns shift with season, food availability, and predation risk.

Reproduction: Breeding occurs in autumn, with births following after a gestation period of several months. Fawns are often hidden by the mother for extended periods after birth, with maternal care continuing into the early weeks of life.

Conservation: Many geyik populations are stable, but local declines can occur due to habitat loss, hunting pressure, and fragmentation. Turkey regulates hunting seasons and protects critical habitats to balance wildlife conservation with agriculture and forestry.