Verified sightings of Roe deer (Capreolus capreolus) seen in Co. Wicklow from June 2011 to December 2013 have been published on Biodiversity Maps. This adds to the sighting of 3 Roe deer seen in Co. Armagh in 2014.
The risk of Roe deer being an invasive species in Ireland was assessed in 2014 as Minor to Moderate (See:
You can view and download the up-dated Invasive Species Sighting Notice for Roe deer by clicking on the poster
Why the concern? If Roe deer became widely established they may:
- Cause damage to agricultural crops
- Damage forestry through browsing and fraying of young trees
- Contribute to road traffic accidents
- First sighting in 2011 Co. Wicklow. There have been 3 further sightings in Co. Wicklow and one in Co. Armagh. Sightings range from just one individual to groups.
What does it look like?
- Roe deer is a small to moderate sized deer, shoulder height of 60-70cm.
- Has a reddish-brown coat in summer with a grey face, coat darkening to grey brown in winter.
- Roe deer have a distinctive black nose with white chin and also commonly a black chinstrap
- It has lighter undersides and a white rump patch which is flared when disturbed. When disturbed, often also gives dog-like barks.
- It is more upright in stance than Muntjac deer and has pointed ears.
Where might I see it?
In a variety of habitats but Roe deer prefer landscapes with a mosaic of woodland and farmland.
Please report suspected sightings with a photo if possible: https://www.biodiversityireland.ie/projects/invasive-species/submit-sightings/