Comparison of reproductive success in fallow deer males on lek and single temporary stands

Lek is a territorial mating strategy which is widely spread amongst males in the fallow deer, Dama dama high density population. A group of fallow deer in Brezka park, Czech Republic. was studied where males exhibit a mixed mating system with territorial (single temporary stands. leks) and non-territorial strategies during the rut. Reproductive success was estimated indirectly by Counting females/minute held per male both on the lek and single temporary stands. A total of 636 records were analysed (281 on leks and 355 on temporary stands). It) contrast to other reports. males on leks were accompanied with significantly less females (LSMEANs +/- S.E., 3.80 +/- 1.10 does present per minute of observation) compared to those on single temporary stands (6.74 +/- 1.10 does present per minute of observation). The results suggest that under specific conditions (over-abundance of adult males compared to females) attracting females on the lek need no( be the most effective one.