Forest antelope | Facts & Information

Forest antelope

The red deer is a fascinating and graceful species that lives in forested regions of Europe, Asia, and Africa. It is also known as Cervus elaphus or stag. This impressive animal belongs to the Cervidae family and is recognized worldwide for its large and elegant antlers.

The red deer has impressive dimensions, being one of the largest deer species. Males can reach heights of up to 1.5 meters and weighing approximately 300 kilograms, while females are slightly smaller, with a height of about 1.3 meters and a weight of about 200 kilograms. These deer impress with their graceful movements and their dark brown fur, with a white patch on their hindquarters.

The preferred habitat of red deer are coniferous and mixed forests, where they find shelter and plentiful food. These animals easily adapt to their surroundings and are capable of surviving in different types of forests and on various types of terrain. They have an impressive ability to hide in vegetation and move silently, which gives them a considerable advantage in terms of protection against predators.

The diet of these deer mainly consists of grass, green leaves, and buds. During winter, when food becomes scarcer, they eat moss, lichens, and bark. These deer have a huge appetite and during summer, they can consume impressive amounts of food to build up the reserves needed for the cold season.

The red deer is a migratory animal and lives in small or large groups, depending on the availability of food and other environmental factors. The deer groups are led by a leader, usually a male, called the dominant stag. He maintains his position as a leader through violent fights with other males to prove his dominance and thus have access to the best food sources and females.

The breeding season for red deer takes place during summer. The dominant stag has the privilege of mating with most of the females in the group, ensuring that his offspring will carry on his strong genes. Pregnant females isolate themselves from the group before giving birth, thus ensuring the protection and safety of the calves. Red deer are philopatric, meaning that the female and her offspring remain in the vicinity of the area where they were born, creating large and stable groups of deer.

An interesting aspect of red deer is the growth and replacement of antlers. Males shed their antlers during spring and then replace them with larger and stronger ones. This process is controlled by testosterone levels in the body and occurs every year. Antlers are important tools in fights between males and are also a way for them to express dominance over rivals and females. Antlers are also used to remove tall leaves and branches to reach lower vegetation.

The red deer is an impressive, adapted, and proud species. With a combination of beauty and strength, it represents a symbol of untouched nature and the wild beauty of forests. Appreciation and protection of its natural habitat are essential for the survival of this amazing species and for maintaining ecological balance.