As one of the largest deer species, the red deer holds a prominent place in the cultural and natural history of many European, Asian, and North African regions. They are robust and large, with males (stags) significantly larger than females (hinds). One of the most distinctive features of the red deer is its antlers, which are branched and can grow up to one meter in width. These antlers are shed and regrown annually, with their size and complexity increasing as the deer ages. Their coat varies seasonally, being thicker and darker during winter months and lighter in the summer. Their winter coat is typically grey to brown, with a denser, woolly undercoat for insulation, while the summer coat is more reddish-brown.
Red deer are adaptable to various habitats but primarily favor forested areas interspersed with open glades, moorlands, and grasslands where they can graze and browse. Originally widespread across much of Europe and parts of Asia and North Africa, their range has been reduced and fragmented due to human activities. However, they have also been introduced to other regions, such as Australia and New Zealand, for sport hunting and farming. They are herbivores, feeding on a mix of grasses, leaves, twigs, and bark. In the harsher winter months, they may also consume more substantial foliage and evergreens to sustain themselves. They are ruminants, which means they have a specialized stomach to ferment plant material and extract sufficient nutrients.
Distribution
Albania
Algeria
Argentina
Armenia
Australia
Austria
Azerbaijan
Belarus
Belgium
Bosnia And Herz.
Bulgaria
Chile
Croatia
Czechia
Denmark
Estonia
France
Georgia
Germany
Greece
Hungary
Iran
Ireland
Israel
Italy
Jordan
Latvia
Lebanon
Lithuania
Luxembourg
Moldova
Montenegro
Morocco
Netherlands
New Zealand
North Macedonia
Norway
Poland
Romania
Russia
Serbia
Slovakia
Slovenia
Sweden
Switzerland
Syria
Tunisia
Turkey
UkraineAnything we've missed?
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Terrestrial / Aquatic
Altricial / Precocial
Polygamous / Monogamous
Dimorphic (size) / Monomorphic
Active: Diurnal / Nocturnal
Social behavior: Solitary / Pack / Herd
Diet: Carnivore / Herbivore / Omnivore / Piscivorous / Insectivore
Migratory: Yes / No
Domesticated: Yes / No
Dangerous: Yes / No
