FALLOW DEER: THEIR HISTORY, DISTRIBUTION AND BIOLOGY. By Donald and Norma Chapman.

(1975) 1997 2nd edition. Large square 8vo (177 x 232mm). Ppxii,271. B/w photographs, illustrations, bibliography. Green boards, spine titled in gilt.

Newly reprinted with updated references and a new preface by Mrs Chapman. Fallow deer are the most widely distributed deer within the United Kingdom. They have been present for many centuries and are the species most favoured in deer parks. The disbandment of many parks, especially during the first half of the twentieth century, has led to the establishment of wild populations in the countryside. Fallow deer have been translocated around the world, now being present in at least thirty-five countries. In recent years fallow deer farms have been established in several continents. In 1975 Donald and Norma Chapman produced a definitive work on this species, including a chapter on the endangered Mesopotamian fallow deer. This 1997 reprint was produced in response to the continuing demand for the book. A preface and a Further Reading list have been added. Chapters include: Classification and general characteristics; Fossil and early history; Distribution, past and present; Structure, function and growth; Age estimation and teeth; Antlers; The rut and male reproduction; Female reproduction and maternal behaviour; Social organisation and behaviour; Ecology; Mortality, diseases and parasites; Persian fallow deer. Appendices include: Parks containing fallow deer in the British Isles in 1975; Age estimation of European fallow deer; Flowering plants and conifers eaten by fallow deer in the New Forest; Endoparasites found in European fallow deer; Mammals mentioned in the text; Deer acts.