Cervus canadensis canadensis

(Erxleben, 1777)

Vernacular names
English : Wapiti, Elk
French : Wapiti

Classification
Class : Mammalia
Order : Cetartiodactyla
Family : Cervidae
Notes : 5 other subspecies known. Taxonomy is debated. Former subspecies nannodes, roosevelti, manitobensis, nelsoni are considered synonyms although nannodes is sometimes considered still valid.

Identification
Body length of 240 cm, shoulder height of 165 cm, weight of 400 kg. Huge deer species. Head and neck dark brown with a dark mane. Rest of body beige to light brown with yellowish rump and dark legs. Males display impressive antlers.

Range and habitat
This subspecies occurs in most of North America. The species is also found in eastern Asia. Lives in forests, open grasslands, woodlands, prairies and steppes, up to 3300 m.

Conservation
IUCN RED LIST : LEAST CONCERN
CITES : Not listed
Status : The species seems to be fairly numerous despite intense persecution in the past in USA. The Asian subspecies are declining and endangered.
Ex-Situ Programs : None known

Observation

 

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