Seasonal changes of pelage in the roe deer Capreolus capreolus and its role in thermoregulation

Summary

Seasonal changes of coat in the roe buck (Capreolus capreolus) have been studied in field animals throughout the year. Spring and autumn moults produce summer and winter coats geared to the seasons. The winter guard hairs are much wider than summer guard hairs because the medullary spaces are larger. This results in a close packing of the winter hairs and the air contained within them acts as an efficient insulator.