Elaphurus davidianus Milne-Edwards, 1866

Pere David's Deer

Species recognized by The Integrated Taxonomic Information System external link, T Orrell (custodian) in 
IUCN Red List Status: Extinct in the Wild (EW) external link Showing: scientific names

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Elaphurus davidianus Milne-Edwards, 1866

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*elaphurus davidianus
Elaphurus davidianus
Elaphurus davidianus
Elaphurus davidianus
Elaphurus davidianus
Elaphurus davidianus
Elaphurus davidianus
Elaphurus davidianus
Elaphurus davidianus

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Overview

Biology

Source and Additional Information
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ARKive external link
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Copyright Wildscreen 2003-2008. Some rights reserved external link
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Since this deer is so rare in the wild, the only observations of its behaviour come from captive populations (5). This species is social and lives in large herds, except before and after the breeding season, or 'rut', in June. At these times males leave the herd to feed intensively and build up strength, and before the rut, females bunch together in several groups (6). A stag joins each group of females and engages in fights with rival males using its antlers, teeth and forelegs (2). The successful stags win dominance and, as the fittest males, are able to mate with the females. During the rutting season males do not feed, as every moment is spent trying to establish dominance over other males. Therefore, after leaving the females, males will begin feeding again and quickly regain weight. After a gestation period of 288 days, females give birth to one or two fawns (6).
Katja Schulz. Editor. "Elaphurus davidianus Milne-Edwards, 1866". Encyclopedia of Life, available from "http://www.eol.org/pages/308403". Accessed 22 Mar 2010.