Credit: natur&emwelt
Luxembourg has what is known as a Temperate Climate in which winters are generally mild and summers comparatively cool, with rainfall that can be high; its flora and fauna have thrived in and adapted to this climate over the centuries and millennia, with ongoing challenges due to pollution and recent climate change, as well as the introduction of non-native species, resulting in disruptions to the norm.
Nevertheless, with various initiatives and organisations helping the ecosystem and habitat, including sustainability and re-wilding, there is a lot happening in nature across the Grand Duchy.
Chronicle.lu has teamed up with natur&emwelt (the non-profit organisation (naturemwelt), the foundation (Hëllef fir d'Natur) and the Wildlife Care Centre (Flegeestatioun)) for a series of articles on Luxembourg's fauna in which we look at various mammals, birds, insects, amphibians and aquatic animals, as well as touching on vanishing species returning to Luxembourg, focussing on their lifestyle and habitat, including when and where to observe them.
No. 22 in this series focuses on the European Roe Deer.
Graceful and elusive, the European roe deer is one of the most iconic mammals of our forests. It reflects the richness and balance of Luxembourg’s forest ecosystems.
The roe deer is a medium-sized cervid, weighing between 20 and 30 kg and measuring 60 to 75 cm at the shoulder. Its coat changes with the seasons: reddish-brown in summer, grey-brown in winter, with a distinctive white rump patch known as the “mirror”. Males, called bucks, carry small antlers that are shed annually and regrow in spring. Its slender build, large ears and bright eyes reveal its agility and constant vigilance in the wild.
Lifestyle
Roe deer are crepuscular animals, most active at dawn and dusk. Solitary in summer, they sometimes form small groups in winter. Selective herbivores, they feed on young shoots, leaves, fruits, buds and grasses. The rut occurs in July and August, when males fiercely defend their territories. After a delayed embryonic development, fawns are born in May-June. Ecologically, the roe deer plays an important role in shaping forest dynamics: by browsing woody plants, it influences forest regeneration and helps maintain the balance between different habitats.
Habitat
Roe deer are widespread across Luxembourg, inhabiting mainly deciduous and mixed forests with abundant edges, clearings and thickets. These transitional areas provide food, shelter and cover. They are also found in agricultural landscapes, taking advantage of hedgerows, meadows and crops. Luxembourg’s mosaic of forests, bocage and valleys forms an ideal habitat for this species. Sustainable forest management and the preservation of open areas are crucial to ensuring healthy populations of roe deer in the long term.
Where and when to see it
Roe deer can be seen year-round, though spring and summer offer the best opportunities when vegetation is abundant. They are often spotted at the forest’s edge or along woodland paths, especially at dawn or dusk. In winter, small groups can be seen foraging in open fields. The forests of the Oesling and Gutland regions are among the best areas to encounter this shy cervid, a true symbol of Luxembourg’s diverse landscapes.
Observation tips
To spot a roe deer, move slowly and quietly, avoiding sudden movements and strong scents. Binoculars are essential for observing without disturbing it. Choose calm times of the day, away from busy trails. With patience and respect, an encounter with this elegant animal becomes a truly rewarding experience.
