Capreolus – Roe deers

The genus Capreolus is where you’ll find some of the most graceful and charming deer in the world — the roe deer! These deer are smaller and more delicate than their bigger cousins like elk or moose, but they make up for it with elegance, speed, and a quiet, almost magical presence. There are two living species today: the European roe deer (Capreolus capreolus) and the Siberian roe deer (Capreolus pygargus). Whether wandering the ancient forests of Europe or the snowy plains of Asia, these deer are masters of blending into their environment.

One of the coolest things about roe deer is their incredible ability to adapt. European roe deer can live in a wide variety of habitats — thick forests, open meadows, farmland edges, and even near small villages. Siberian roe deer, on the other hand, are built tougher to handle cold, harsh winters, growing thicker, warmer coats when the temperature drops. Both species are nimble runners and excellent jumpers, able to bound gracefully over obstacles and dart quickly through dense woods when danger appears.

A fun fact about roe deer is that they are among the few deer species that practice delayed implantation. This means that after mating in the summer, the fertilized egg doesn’t start growing right away. Instead, it “waits” several months before developing, allowing the fawns to be born the next spring when food is plentiful and the weather is much kinder. It’s a natural life hack that gives their young the best chance at survival! Roe deer fawns are born tiny and speckled with white spots to help them stay camouflaged in the grass during their first vulnerable weeks.