Chevreuil

Le chevreuil est un petit cervidé d’Europe et d’Asie, généralement identifié à l’espèce *Capreolus capreolus*.

The chevreuil is a small deer species native to Europe and Asia, scientifically known as *Capreolus capreolus*. In French, the term can also refer to the white-tailed deer (*Odocoileus virginianus*), particularly in Quebec, Canada. It is a ruminant mammal belonging to the family Cervidae.

Taxonomy and name

In zoology, the European chevreuil corresponds to *Capreolus capreolus*, a deer in the subfamily Capreolinae. In common French, the term can be used more broadly, particularly in Quebec to refer to the white-tailed deer.

Physical description

The European chevreuil is the smallest wild deer in Europe. It is a slender mammal with thin legs, adapted for running and jumping. It has deciduous antlers that are slightly branched. The adult male is called a brocard, the female a chevrette, and the young a faon (until six months) then a chevrillard (until one year). Its coat varies from reddish-brown to grey-brown depending on the season. Size: 95 to 135 cm in length, 60 to 80 cm at the shoulder, weight 15 to 35 kg.

Habitat and distribution

The species lives in Europe and Asia, frequenting woods, forests, edges, thickets, clearings, and cultivated lands with vegetative cover.

Reproduction and lifespan

Young are called fawns until six months, then chevrillards until one year. The average lifespan in the wild is about 6 to 8 years, depending on sex and conditions.