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SPECIES PROFILE
Red Deer (Cervus elaphus)
Cervus
IUCN STATUS
Least Concern
CONSERVATION STATUS
Least Concern
CLASS
Mammalia
GEOGRAPHICAL RANGE
Europe, Asia, introduced elsewhere
DIET
Herbivorous
HABITAT
Woodland, moorland, mountains
🔬 Classification
PHYLUM
Chordata
CLASS
Mammalia
ORDER
Artiodactyla
FAMILY
Cervidae
GENUS
Cervus
📋 Description
SIZE
150-250 cm body, 100-250 kg
COLORATION
Red-brown in summer, darker in winter
ADAPTATIONS
Large antlers in males, excellent hearing
🌿 Ecology
HABITAT
Woodland, moorland, mountains
DIET
Herbivorous
GEOGRAPHIC RANGE
Europe, Asia, introduced elsewhere
REPRODUCTION
1 calf per year
DIET DETAILS
Grasses, heather, bark
⚠️ Threats & Conservation
PRIMARY THREATS
Habitat loss, over-hunting
💡 Interesting Facts
1
Red deer are the largest land mammal in the UK. Stags roar loudly during the autumn rut to attract hinds. They shed antlers every year.
2
They have been hunted for thousands of years and are a symbol of wild Britain.
🔭 Sighting Guide
📍 BEST PLACES TO SIGHT
Scottish Highlands
New Forest UK
Exmoor UK
🗓️ BEST TIME TO SIGHT
Year-round (rut in autumn)
🎯 SIGHTING TIPS
Listen for roaring stags in autumn; watch in open glades at dawn/dusk.
