Watchable Wildlife

Sika deer / Fia Seapánach / Cervus nippon

Did you know?

Deer are ruminant herbivores like cows and sheep, with cloven hooves and complex stomachs for breaking down grasses and vegetation.
Males have a set of antlers which are regrown every summer.
Are not native to Ireland, coming originally from Japan (sika is Japanese for deer). They were introduced to Powerscourt Estate near Glencree in 1859.
The female (hinds) live in small herds, whereas the males are more solitary.
No predators in Ireland and have spread widely causing much damage to forests where populations are high.
Sika deer have interbred with our native red deer and most are now hybrids in this area.
Sika deer are protected under the Wildlife Act, but are subject to a hunting season and a licence is required.

What to watch for:

Size:

Smallish species of deer, with males up to 80cm at the shoulder (females are slightly smaller)

Coloration:

Summer coat is reddish with white spots, turning very dark grey-brown in the winter.
There is a white rump patch which is displayed as a warning signal.

Where to watch:

Live in deciduous and conifer forests which provide shelter and cover from predators (mainly human hunters). Widespread throughout conifer forests, feeding on open grassland.

When to watch:

Listen for:

Short, barking alarm call to alert other members of the herd to danger.
During the breeding season or rut, sika deer make a lot of noise! The sika stag has a special whistling call.

Viewing Locations:

Back to Watchable Wildlife home page