If you wish, the trail can be extended as far as the Cuscionu plateau: around 5 hours from Quenza.
The deer is considered to be Corsica's largest wild land mammal in 2023. It has been present on the island for several centuries, and has adapted perfectly to the environment of the Corsican scrubland. Its longevity is generally estimated at around fifteen years. The deer feeds mainly on herbaceous plants, but also on leaves, young shoots and fruit.
At the beginning of the 20th century, the deer population in Corsica underwent a major decline, which eventually led to their disappearance at the end of the 1960s. Fortunately, the deer subspecies found in Sardinia enabled the animals to be reintroduced to Corsica.
Since the reintroduction programme was launched, the commune of Quenza has become an important partner of the Parcu di Corsica, which oversees the initiative. In 1985, the first deer were brought back from Sardinia and placed in the Quenza breeding enclosure. Over time, other animals were introduced into this enclosure, and in 1998 and 2002, in natura releases were carried out in the Asinau valley. Today, the deer you might be lucky enough to see are the descendants of these reintroduced animals.
Because of its unique ecosystem and exceptional biodiversity, Corsica is home to species such as deer that play an essential role in the natural balance. By taking care to preserve and respect these fragile habitats, we are helping to ensure the long-term survival of these species and maintain the integrity of the Corsican environment for future generations.
