![]() ![]() Key morphological differences that distinguish C. Elk were long believed to belong to a subspecies of the European red deer ( Cervus elaphus), but evidence from many mitochondrial DNA genetic studies beginning in 1998 shows that the two are distinct species. Their meat is leaner and higher in protein than beef or chicken. In parts of Asia, antlers and their velvet are used in traditional medicines. Some cultures revere the elk as having spiritual significance. Efforts to eliminate infectious diseases from elk populations, largely by vaccination, have had mixed success. Its adaptability may in fact threaten endemic species and the ecosystems into which it has been introduced.Įlk are susceptible to a number of infectious diseases, some of which can be transmitted to livestock. The elk has adapted well to countries where it has been introduced, including Argentina and New Zealand. Populations were present across Eurasia into Western Europe during the Late Pleistocene and survived into the early Holocene in southern Sweden and the Alps the extinct Merriam's elk subspecies ranged into Mexico. Although it is currently native to North America and central/eastern Asia, it had a much wider distribution in the past. Males also engage in ritualized mating behaviors during the rut, including posturing, antler wrestling (sparring), and bugling, a loud series of vocalizations that establishes dominance over other males and attracts females. Male elk have large antlers which they shed each year. canadensis.Įlk range in forest and forest-edge habitat, feeding on grasses, plants, leaves, and bark. The name "wapiti", derived from a Shawnee and Cree word meaning "white rump", is also used for C. The word "elk" originally referred to the European variety of the moose, Alces alces, but was transferred to Cervus canadensis by North American colonists. The elk ( PL: elk or elks Cervus canadensis), or wapiti, is one of the largest species within the deer family, Cervidae, and one of the largest terrestrial mammals in its native range of North America and Central and East Asia. Elk live 10 to 20 years.Former (light green) and current (dark green) native ranges of Cervus canadensis The gestation period is the same for all subspecies. The offspring will remain with their mothers for almost a year, leaving about the time that the next season's offspring are produced. Elk calves are as large as an adult white-tailed deer by the time they are six months old. After two weeks, calves are able to join the herd, and are fully weaned at two months of age. Manchurian wapiti may retain a few orange spots on the back of their summer coats until they are older. Calves are born spotted, as is common with many deer species, and they lose their spots by the end of summer. When the females are near to giving birth, they tend to isolate themselves from the main herd, and will remain isolated until the calf is large enough to escape predators. Gestation period is 240 to 262 days and the offspring weigh between 33 and 35 lb. By the autumn of their second year, females can produce one and, very rarely, two offspring. Bulls that enter the rut in poor condition are less likely to make it through to the peak conception period or have the strength to survive the rigors of the oncoming winter.įemale elk have a short estrus cycle of only a day or two, and matings usually involve a dozen or more attempts. A bull with a harem rarely feeds and he may lose up to 20 percent of his body weight. Bulls between two to four years and over 11 years of age rarely have harems, and spend most of the rut on the periphery of larger harems. Only mature bulls have large harems and breeding success peaks at about eight years of age. A bull will defend his harem of 20 cows or more from competing bulls and predators. Dominant bulls follow groups of cows during the rut, from August into early winter. The urine soaks into their hair and gives them a distinct smell which attracts cows. Bulls also dig holes in the ground, in which they urinate and roll their body. If neither bull backs down, they engage in antler wrestling, and bulls sometimes sustain serious injuries. This allows potential combatants to assess the other's antlers, body size and fighting prowess. Rival bulls challenge opponents by bellowing and by paralleling each other, walking back and forth. ![]() During the mating period, known as the rut, mature bulls compete for the attentions of the cows and will try to defend females in their harem. Adult elk usually stay in single-sex groups for most of the year. ![]()
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