Mating
Systems in Deer
In general,
most species of deer are polygamous. This is where one successful
male mates with a number of females. In deer, as with most other
mammal species, only a small proportion of the males mate with
most of the females. Only the most dominant individuals get the
chance to breed. There are a number of different mating systems
seen in the various species of deer, these include:
Harem Collection- During the rutting period males attempt
to gather together a small group of females into a harem with
which they can then breed as they become receptive. Males in possession
of a harem get challenged by other males who wish to breed with
the females. The males can compete with each other in a number
of ways including having bellowing contests and fighting with
their antlers. In the end the most dominant males win possession
of the harem. Males with harems may have to fight rivals many
times during the rutting season to maintain their control over
their females. The Red Deer is famous
for its hotly contested rutting season.
Lekking-During the breeding season males congregate together
at a small area of land known as the arena. Here the males compete
with each other for control of small territories. The most dominant
animals gain the best territories, which are usually in the middle
of the arena. Lesser dominant males are often around the edges
of the arena. When females are ready to be mated they then visit
the lekking ground and go to the territories of their preferred
male. The females usually choose the most dominant males with
the best territories. Lekking is only seen in a few species of
deer, such as the Fallow Deer.
Territorial Mates- In this type of mating system males
possess permanent territories, these overlap with the territories
of a number of females. When one of the females whose territory
is within the males area is receptive then he mates with her.
Males compete for territories, with sometimes an incumbent male
being usurped by a newcomer. Competition also occurs between males
at the edge of their territories, or over females whose territory
overlaps with more than one males. This type of mating system
is seen in many of the Muntjac species of deer, such as the Reeve's
Muntjac. It is more common in those species that live in thick
forest or woodland areas.
A succession of females- In some species, such as the Elk,
during the rutting period males mate with a succession of females.
They will pair bond with a single females and then mate with her.
When the female is no longer receptive the male will then search
out another female with which to pair bond. Successful males will
mate with several females during the rut. Often there is fierce
competition between males for access to a female, with long fights
taking place. The most dominant individual wins these fights and
gains the right to pair bond and mate with the female.
Monogamy- Monogamy, where a male and female pair bond and
mate together, is rare in the deer family. The Chinese
Water Deer may sometimes form pair bonds, both sexes possessing
a small terriotiry that they defend together. Some of the Muntjac
species are also sometimes monogamous.
© Mark Walker 2005
