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elk

Cervus elaphus

Vulnerable
Diet
Herbivore
Lifespan
20 years
Length
2.1 m
Weight
240.0 kg
Trend
→ Stable

About

アカシカとも呼ばれるエルク(Cervus elaphus)は、枝角を持つ雄が最大240kgに達するシカ科最大種の一つです。ヨーロッパ、アジア、北アメリカの温帯林や草原に分布し、歴史的には個体群が別の亜種として区別されていました。雄は毎年枝角を落として再生させ、秋の繁殖期には激しい鳴き声競争を繰り広げます。分布域全体にわたって重要なジビエ動物であり、保全対象種です。

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.

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.

Diet & Behavior

🌿
Herbivore
elk is classified as herbivore, adapted to its ecological niche.

Diet

🌿 Herbivore
Plant matter 100%

Conservation Status

VU Vulnerable
Population Trend
Stable

Full Taxonomy

Names in Other Languages

Spanish Ciervo común
French cerf rouge, cerf élaphe
German Rothirsch

Similar Species in Cervus

Explore More

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the scientific name of elk?
The scientific name of elk is Cervus elaphus. It belongs to the genus Cervus.
What is the conservation status of elk?
elk (Cervus elaphus) is classified as Vulnerable by the IUCN Red List. The population trend is stable.
Where does elk live?
elk 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 elk belong to?
elk (Cervus elaphus) belongs to the genus Cervus, which is part of the taxonomic family Cervidae.
What does elk eat?
elk is herbivore. Its diet is adapted to its natural habitat and ecological niche.
How long does elk live?
elk has an average lifespan of approximately 20 years in the wild.
Is elk endangered?
Yes, elk (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 elk belong to?
elk (Cervus elaphus) belongs to the kingdom Animalia (動物).

Native Range — 20 Countries

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