The family Cervidae, commonly known as deer, encompasses a wide array of hoofed mammals found across nearly every continent except Australia and Antarctica. These animals are classified as ruminants, meaning they possess a specialized stomach system adapted for digesting tough plant material. A defining characteristic of most male cervids is the annual growth and shedding of antlers, which are bony structures grown from the skull and used primarily for display and competition during the mating season. The diversity within this family is vast, ranging from species weighing less than 20 pounds to those exceeding 1,000 pounds.
The Primary Scientific Divisions
The family Cervidae is divided into major subfamilies based on anatomical and genetic differences. The two most recognized divisions are the Capreolinae and the Cervinae, which separated around 15 to 20 million years ago. These are often informally called the New World deer and the Old World deer, although members of both groups exist globally.
The primary distinction involves the structure of the foot bones, specifically the metacarpals. Capreolinae are telemetacarpal deer, retaining the distal portions of their lateral metacarpal bones. Conversely, Cervinae are plesiometacarpal deer, retaining only the proximal, or upper, portions of these lateral bones.
Characteristics and Examples of Capreolinae
The Capreolinae subfamily, which includes many species native to the Americas, is characterized by a wide range of body sizes and simpler antler structures compared to the Cervinae. This group includes the Moose (Alces alces), the largest member of the deer family, which can stand over seven feet tall and weigh more than 1,000 pounds. Male Moose are recognizable by their massive, palmate antlers, which are flattened and shovel-like, and a distinctive dewlap of skin hanging from their throat.
The Elk, or Wapiti (Cervus canadensis), is another large North American representative and the second-largest cervid species. Unlike the Moose, the Elk’s antlers are long, rounded, and sharply pointed, growing backward in a complex branching pattern.
Moving to smaller species, the White-tailed Deer (Odocoileus virginianus) is widely distributed across North and Central America. It is named for the white underside of its tail, which it raises to signal alarm when fleeing. The Mule Deer (Odocoileus hemionus) is distinguished by its large, mule-like ears and a unique bounding motion called stotting, where all four hooves push off and land simultaneously.
In Eurasia, the Roe Deer (Capreolus capreolus) is a smaller, slender member of this subfamily. It is characterized by its relatively short, three-pointed antlers and solitary nature.
Characteristics and Examples of Cervinae
The Cervinae subfamily, often called the Old World deer, includes species that feature complex, heavily branched antlers. This group is predominantly native to Eurasia. The Red Deer (Cervus elaphus) is a prime example, with stags weighing up to 530 pounds. Their impressive, rounded antlers can grow over three feet long and are known for their rugged, multi-tined structure.
The Red Deer inhabits a broad range across Europe, Asia, and even North Africa. The Fallow Deer (Dama dama) is a medium-sized species native to Eurasia but widely introduced globally. Adult males possess broad, flattened, and deeply palmated antlers. They often display a spotted summer coat and a black-bordered white rump patch.
The Sika Deer (Cervus nippon) is native to East Asia and is known for retaining a spotted coat during the summer months. Its antlers are typically rounded and upward-growing, possessing a maximum of eight points on a mature male. Sika Deer are highly adaptable and have established feral populations worldwide.
Divergent and Unusual Deer Species
The deer family includes several species with unusual traits that challenge the typical image of an antlered cervid. The Water Deer (Hydropotes inermis), native to China and Korea, is the only extant species where males completely lack antlers. Instead, the male possesses long, tusk-like canine teeth that protrude from the upper jaw, used in territorial disputes.
Muntjacs (Muntiacus species), sometimes called barking deer, are considered primitive members of the family. These small, stocky deer possess short antlers atop long, bony supports called pedicles. Male Muntjacs also have elongated upper canine teeth visible even when their mouths are closed.
The Pudu (Pudu species), native to South America, represents the world’s smallest deer species. The Southern Pudu stands only about 14 inches tall at the shoulder and weighs less than 20 pounds. Males possess tiny, simple spike antlers that are rarely more than four inches long.