Abstract
The annual cycles of coat changes, antler regrowth, and reproductive behavior of sika deer were studied in Nara Park. The grey-brown winter coat appears in late August and October, and it is molted to reveal the red summer coat in early May and June. Males tend to molt earlier than females. Adult males cast their antlers in early March and the new antlers are fully developed by August. Their velvet are shed by early September. Younger males tend to cast later. Rutting occurs from late September until early March of the following year with a peak in October. Fawning takes place from mid-May until November with a peak in June. Gestation period is estimated to be 226-233 days.
