Cervidae (Sub-family of Artiodactyla)

Cervidae, from Latin cervus (“deer”), in reference to the fact that all the members of this family are deer-related animals.

Common names of members

Deers, elks, mooses, reindeers, muntjacs.

Distribution

All continents except Australia, Antarctica and some oceanic islands.

Size

They are medium to large animals, varying in size from 32–35 cm at the shoulder height and 3.3–6 kg in weight to 2.6 m and 800 kg.

Morphology

They have a long head and relatively long neck. Their legs are long with hoofed 2 toes. Other typical characteristics include long, powerful legs, a diminutive tail and long ears. Sexual dimorphism is quite pronounced – in most species males tend to be larger than females, and, generally, only males have antlers. Coat color generally varies between red and brown. Nearly all deer have a facial gland in front of each eye. The gland contains a strongly scented pheromone, used to mark its home range.

Ecology & Habitat

Deer inhabit a wide range of biomes, from the tropical rainforest to the tundra. Despite being frequently linked to forests, many deer are ecotone species, meaning they inhabit the spaces in between, such as the transitions between prairie and savanna (open space) and thickets and forests (for cover). Around the world, the majority of large deer species live in savanna ecosystems, tropical seasonal/dry forests, mountain mixed coniferous forests, and temperate mixed deciduous forests.

Diet

As herbivorous browsers, they eat mostly the leaves of grasses, sedges, forbs, shrubs, and trees; in the winter, at northern latitudes, they also eat lichens.

Reproduction

Most are polygynous (one male mating with multiple females). Males will use their antlers to fight for females and for protection. Only females are responsible for parenting care. Females give birth to multiple young but usually only one can survive. Mostly female young cervids will stay with their mother until they are mature and pregnant.