The European roe deer

The doe’s (female roe deer) gestation period is quite peculiar. After mating season and fertilisation (usually between 15 July and 15 August), the doe’s eggs stop developing entirely for around 170 days. The actual gestation period only begins at the end of December or beginning of January and lasts for 130 days. 80% of births occur between 15 May and 5 June.  This phenomenon, which is called “delayed implantation”, postpones birth until spring, a season which allows for better survival rates among young fawns.