A comparison of adaptive colouration between the common impala (Aepyceros melampus) and the European fallow deer (Dama dama)

Aepyceros melampus https://www.flickr.com/photos/leendert3/28352516078 and https://www.dreamstime.com/stock-photography-female-impala-image20174622

Dama dama https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/192257684

WITH DAMA DAMA IN SUMMER PELAGE (antlers still in velvet)

Features shared between A. melampus and D. dama:

relatively pale panel on lower flanks in adults
M-shaped dark pattern on buttocks and (relaxed) tail (https://www.alamy.com/stock-photo-fallow-deer-doe-dama-dama-uk-20530497.html?imageid=5FC6C6F8-A862-4DDC-B3B6-6FA3DEF97A18&p=27177&pn=1&searchId=cacca8f92893b0ba68fa8a2d5fa46476&searchtype=0)
white on ventral surface and tip of tail
crisply-defined white on ventral surface of torso
pasterns whitish
bare skin on anterior surface of ear pinna flesh-coloured
colouration precocial (similar between infants and adults of both sexes)

Features differing between A. melampus and D. dama:

spotting absent in A. melampus, extensive on back, upper flanks, and haunches in D. dama
anterior/ventral surface of neck medium-tone in A. melampus, broadly pale in D. dama
anterior auricular flag present in A. melampus, absent in D. dama
posterior surface of ear pinna is broadly dark apically in A. melampus, plain-coloured in D. dama
pedal flag present in A. melampus, absent in D. dama
metatarsal gland-tuft conspicuously dark in A. melampus, inconspicuous in D. dama
posterior surface of ear pinna is broadly dark apically in A. melampus, plain-coloured in D. dama
flag absent on hindquarters (with relaxed tail) in A. melampus; ischiopygal flag present in D. dama
dark marking on crown present in A. melampus, absent in D. dama
buccal semet present in A. melampus, absent in D. dama
patch of bare (dark) skin at stifle-fold present in A. melampus, absent in D. dama
tongue dark in A. melampus, flesh-coloured in D. dama (https://www.alamy.com/stock-photo-fallow-deer-dama-dama-sticking-tongue-out-91559034.html?imageid=519B7957-9524-4B31-AE67-7D04C055D59C&p=265029&pn=1&searchId=92c7e2275b61caf4ea73e5d8dd166422&searchtype=0)

One of the greatest differences is that D. dama is more variable, in various ways, than A. melampus. This is true ontogenetically, sexually, seasonally, and individually. Dama dama is actually colour-polymorphic. The variation may originally have also been greater subspecifically. However, this is unknowable, because of the long history of anthropogenic influence on D. dama, all populations of which are now there because they have been put there by the human species.

Both spp. are extreme w.r.t. variation. Dama dama is exceptionally variable, even among deer, in terms of colour-polymorphism. For its part, A. melampus is exceptionally uniform, even among comparable bovids.

https://www.alamy.com/stock-photo-fallow-deer-doe-dama-dama-uk-42104660.html?imageid=EF47B4DB-8F54-4EAF-BD6C-D5B5EED7C93A&p=27177&pn=1&searchId=cacca8f92893b0ba68fa8a2d5fa46476&searchtype=0

https://www.alamy.com/doe-and-fawn-fallow-deer-dama-dama-in-autumn-colors-image232799567.html?imageid=6371DEC7-650D-4969-A250-36329F0DE2BB&p=788497&pn=1&searchId=cacca8f92893b0ba68fa8a2d5fa46476&searchtype=0

https://www.alamy.com/stock-photo-fallow-deer-doe-in-the-forest-of-dean-21524574.html?imageid=B7147E3E-561B-4FA9-99EA-4A3480822A8E&p=15397&pn=1&searchId=cacca8f92893b0ba68fa8a2d5fa46476&searchtype=0

https://www.shutterstock.com/image-photo/fallow-deer-58347535 and https://www.shutterstock.com/image-photo/female-fallow-deer-90785849

https://www.shutterstock.com/image-photo/gazelle-cub-mother-baby-1640132227

https://es.123rf.com/photo_119926963_gamo-dama-dama-hembra-corriendo-sobre-el-c%C3%A9sped-en-dyrehave-dinamarca.html?is_plus=1

https://www.shutterstock.com/image-photo/fallow-deer-dama-czech-republic-593202779

https://www.shutterstock.com/image-photo/fallow-deer-during-winter-time-autumn-2242860565 and https://www.shutterstock.com/image-photo/fallow-deer-during-winter-time-autumn-2242387029

https://www.shutterstock.com/image-photo/fallow-deer-58237450

https://www.shutterstock.com/image-photo/fallowdeerdama-dama-95803978

https://www.shutterstock.com/image-photo/fallow-deer-dama-amsterdamse-waterleidingduinen-netherlands-125384627

https://www.shutterstock.com/image-photo/young-deer-fawn-closeup-jutland-denmark-23261266