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Rothirsch

Cervus elaphus

Vulnerable →

Diet

Herbivore

Lifespan

20 years

Length

2.1 m

Weight

240.0 kg

Trend

→ Stable

About

Also known as the red deer, elk are among the largest members of the deer family, with antlered males reaching up to 240 kg. Found across temperate forests and grasslands of Europe, Asia, and North America, where populations were historically separated as distinct subspecies. Males shed and regrow their antlers annually, engaging in dramatic roaring contests during autumn rut. An important game and conservation species across its range.

Fun Facts

✨ Red deer antlers can grow up to 1 meter long.
✨ They can run at 65 km/h.
✨ Antlers grow up to 2.5 cm per day.

Habitat & Distribution

Found across multiple habitat types including tropical and subtropical moist broadleaf forests, tropical and subtropical dry broadleaf forests, and temperate broadleaf and mixed forests, among 12 distinct biome types. Populations are also found in montane and highland environments at higher elevations.

🌲 Forest 🌿 Grassland

Widely distributed across Africa (South Africa), Asia (Afghanistan, Indonesia), Europe (11 countries), North America (Mexico), Oceania and the Pacific (Australia, New Zealand), and South America (Argentina, Chile, Peru). Currently classified as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List, this species faces significant conservation challenges across its range.

🇿🇦 South Africa 🇳🇴 Norway 🇷🇺 Russia 🇸🇪 Sweden 🇦🇫 Afghanistan 🇮🇩 Indonesia 🇧🇪 Belgium 🇨🇿 Czech Republic 🇩🇰 Denmark 🇫🇷 France 🇬🇷 Greece 🇮🇹 Italy 🇨🇱 Chile 🇪🇸 Spain 🇦🇷 Argentina 🇦🇺 Australia 🇳🇿 New Zealand 🇵🇪 Peru 🇪🇪 Estonia 🇲🇽 Mexico

Diet & Behavior

🌿

Herbivore

Rothirsch is classified as herbivore, adapted to its ecological niche.

Diet

🌿 Herbivore

Plant matter 100%

Conservation Status

VU Vulnerable

Population Trend

→ Stable

Full Taxonomy

Kingdom

Animalia (Tier)

Phylum

Chordata (Chordatiere)

Class

Mammalia (Säugetiere)

Order

Artiodactyla (Paarhufer)

Species

Cervus elaphus (Rothirsch)

Names in Other Languages

Spanish Ciervo común

French cerf rouge, cerf élaphe

German Rothirsch

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View all species in Cervus →

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the scientific name of Rothirsch?

The scientific name of Rothirsch is Cervus elaphus. It belongs to the genus Cervus.

What is the conservation status of Rothirsch?

Rothirsch (Cervus elaphus) is classified as Vulnerable by the IUCN Red List. The population trend is stable.

Where does Rothirsch live?

Rothirsch is found in Widely distributed across Africa (South Africa), Asia (Afghanistan, Indonesia), Europe (11 countries), North America (Mexico), Oceania and the Pacific (Australia, New Zealand), and South America (Argentina, Chile, Peru). Currently classified as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List, this species faces significant conservation challenges across its range.. Countries include Afghanistan, Argentina, Australia, Belgium, Chile, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, France, Greece.

What family does Rothirsch belong to?

Rothirsch (Cervus elaphus) belongs to the genus Cervus, which is part of the taxonomic family Cervidae.

What does Rothirsch eat?

Rothirsch is herbivore. Its diet is adapted to its natural habitat and ecological niche.

How long does Rothirsch live?

Rothirsch has an average lifespan of approximately 20 years in the wild.

Is Rothirsch endangered?

Yes, Rothirsch (Cervus elaphus) is classified as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List, which means it faces a significant risk of extinction in the wild.

What kingdom does Rothirsch belong to?

Rothirsch (Cervus elaphus) belongs to the kingdom Animalia (Tier).