The Sika deer is a non-native deer species in the UK. Sika deer originates from Japan and mainland Eastern Asia and was introduced in the mid-17th century.
The Sika deer is a medium-sized deer – between a Roe and a Red deer. Sika and Red deer may hybridise.
The rut is in late-September to end of October. In Scotland, the Sika deer can be found in the North and the West. The numbers are estimated to be less than 10,000.
Facts about Sika Deer
| Adult Size | Up to 70 kg male and 45kg for females, 60-120 cm at shoulder |
| Coloration | Similar to Fallow deer but with a dark dorsal stripe. Brownish with white spots in the summer, dark grey/black in the winter |
| Antlers | Maximum of 8 points, widely spaced with main antler beams at 45 degrees |
| Social Groups | Small groups of hinds, yearlings and calves. Some groups with younger stags |
| Offspring | One single calf usually in June/July but can be later |
| Habitat | Heartland, Upland, Moorland, Coniferous, Mixed, Deciduous woodlands |
| Feeding | Grass, leaves, shoots, and twigs. They also eat many woody types of plants |
