Fallow deer (Dama dama Linnaeus, 1758) in the province of Rieti (central Italy): origin and first data on the competition with native red deer and roe deer

The most recent literature describing the distribution and abundance of fallow deer (Dama dama) in Italy does not indicate the presence of this species in the province of Rieti. Some reports indicate the presence of the species in the middle valley of the river Velino. To test the reliability of those reports a field study was undertaken using three different techniques: fixed points census, line transects, and snow tracking. The area investigated was about 3,500 hectares. Given the topography of the study area these techniques were carried out opportunistically. Fallow deer were located, and the population was estimated to be about 70-90 individuals. Investigation in the Archives of the Provincial Command of the State Forestry Corps of Rieti allowed the origin of the population to be traced. The fallow deer escaped from a group of individuals reared on an estate called Santogna in 2001-2002. The animals came from the Presidential Estate of Castelporziano (Roma). The population of this invasive species is problematic because it dominates the native red deer (Cervus elaphus) and roe deer (Capreolus capreolus), and restricts their natural expansion.