Variation in Mating Systems of Fallow Deer in Relation to Ecology

Abstract

Previous explanations of variation in ungulate mating systems have concentrated on differences between species in relation to their ecology. Comparisons within species, however, whether between populations living in different environments, or within populations in different circumstances, avoid the problems of major differences between species masking subtle responses to environmental variation. The aims of this study were: (1) to define more clearly the different types of mating systems exhibited by fallow deer (Dama dama) and (2) to examine which factors of the population structure and vegetational environment are most important in influencing the mating system adopted by the population. In addition, we briefly examined individual reproductive success of males adopting the different mating strategies both within and between populations. Variation in mating systems of fallow deer was studied in wild and park populations and could be broadly distinguished into seven categories: following, harems, dominance groups, stands, temporary stands, multiple stands, and leks. The ecological factors which exerted the greatest influence on mating systems were buck density, doe density, and habitat structure and tree cover, resulting in pronounced changes in the degree and type of territoriality observed. Individual male reproductive success was highly skewed in all systems. A greater range of concurrent mating strategies was observed in wild populations than in parks.