Content Starts Here
red deer
Encyclopaedia Search
Red Deer
Large deer widely distributed throughout Europe, Asia and North Africa. A full-grown male (stag or hart) stands 1.2 m/4 ft at the withers, and typical antlers measure about 80 cm/31 in in length with a spread of about the same. During the breeding season the colour is a rich brown, turning grey at the approach of winter. The young are spotted with white.
The antlers are shed in April or May, and a few days afterwards the new growth shows. While the new antlers are developing they are covered with a thick velvet, and while in this condition are very sensitive. They are full-grown in about 12 weeks, and the ‘velvet’ is then rubbed off. Hornless stags sometimes occur.
Classification
The red deer Cervus elaphus is in family Cervidae, order Artiodactyla.
© Research Machines plc 2008. All rights reserved. Helicon Publishing is a division of Research Machines plc.
Advertisement starts
Advertisement ends
Solomon Islands Flag
Blue stands for the Pacific Ocean and water on which life depends. Yellow symbolizes the sun. Green represents the lush vegetation. Effective date: 18 November 1977.
>>
Advertorial
Find out how to buy the things you've always wanted and sell the things you don't on ebay.
Font size
Mail
My account
Help
Community
Print now
Send to a friend
Related articles
Related products
