RED DEER

(Cervus elaphus), well-known deer, family Cervidae (order Artiodactyla), native to Europe, Asia, and northwestern Africa and introduced into New Zealand. The red deer has long been hunted both for sport and food. Found primarily in woodlands, it lives in sexually segregated herds except during the breeding season, when the males (harts) fight for harems of females (hinds). A large animal, the red deer stands about 1.2 m (4 feet) at the shoulder. Its coat is reddish brown, darkening to grayish brown in winter, with lighter underparts and a light rump. The hart has long, regularly branched antlers bearing a total of 10 or more tines; an animal with 12 tines is known as a Royal, one with 14 tines is a Wilson. The species Cervus elaphus includes a number of subspecies, all listed as critically endangered in the Red Data Book.