Fallow deer and grey squirrels are among the animals that live in The Phoenix Park.
The deer in the Phoenix Park are descended from the herd put there by the Duke of Ormond in 1662 when he created a royal deer park. Fallow deer are not native to Ireland, having been introduced by the Normans in the thirteenth century.
Male deer cast their antlers in the spring, allowing a new set to grow in time for the rut, which takes place from mid October to November.
In June, the males are relaxed and content to live together in their herd. Their behaviour changes dramatically when the days shorten, and peak mating season approaches. The bucks become aggressive and battle it out to see who will mate with the females. Tom Hayden from University College Dublin (UCD) Department of Zoology says the competition between males is very fierce.
Deer damage young trees by scraping the bark with their antlers, preventing them from growing properly.
The population of grey squirrels can also damage trees in the Phoenix Park. The squirrels strip off leaves to access tender young shoots. Contrary to popular belief, squirrels in Ireland do not hibernate, and Superintendent of the Phoenix Park John McCullen believes their bushy tails are used to keep them warm.
Fawns are born during June and July. A mother hides her fawn in the long grass for the first few days after its birth, returning to feed it during the day.
It will quickly grow strong enough to join the herd, so people who come across these very young animals need not be concerned.
It’s most important not to touch these fawns or take them away.
This episode of ‘Wildtrack’ was broadcast on 9 November 1994. The presenter is Derek Mooney.
