The red deer is one of the largest deer species. A male red deer is called a stag or hart, and a female is called a doe or hind. The red deer inhabits most of Europe, the Caucasus Mountains region, Anatolia, Iran, and parts of western Asia. It also inhabits the Atlas Mountains of Northern Africa; being the only living species of deer to inhabit Africa. Red deer have been introduced to other areas, including Australia, New Zealand, the United States, Canada, Peru, Uruguay, Chile and Argentina. In many parts of the world, the meat (venison) from red deer is used as a food source.
Image: Cervus elaphus Luc Viatour 6
Image: Red deer (Cervus elaphus) hind
Skull of a red deer
Skeleton of Cervus elaphus found at Għar Dalam
A deer or true deer is a hoofed ruminant ungulate of the family Cervidae. It is divided into subfamilies Cervinae and Capreolinae. Male deer of almost all species, as well as female reindeer, grow and shed new antlers each year. These antlers are bony extensions of the skull and are often used for combat between males.
Deer
"The Stag Hunt of Frederick III, Elector of Saxony" by Lucas Cranach the Elder, 1529
Chital deer in Nagarahole, India
Reindeer herds standing on snow to avoid flies