KEY DEER Meaning and
Definition
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Key deer, scientifically known as Odocoileus virginianus clavium, is a subspecies of white-tailed deer that is endemic to the Florida Keys in the United States. It is considered the smallest and rarest subspecies of white-tailed deer, with a distinctive size and appearance.
Key deer are characterized by their petite stature, measuring approximately 24 to 32 inches (61 to 81 cm) at the shoulder. They weigh typically between 55 to 85 pounds (25 to 39 kg). Both males and females possess antlers, although they are relatively small. The coat of a key deer is reddish-brown in summer and turns to a more bluish-gray hue in winter, assisting with camouflage.
These deer inhabit the subtropical hardwood hammocks and freshwater wetlands found within the lower Florida Keys. They are primarily herbivores, subsisting on a variety of vegetation including leaves, grasses, and shrubs. Due to their restricted range and limited food availability, key deer have adapted to consume a diverse range of plants.
Despite their unique features and evolutionary adaptations, key deer face numerous threats to their survival. Habitat loss, primarily due to human development and encroachment, poses a significant challenge. Additionally, limited genetic diversity within this small population leaves them vulnerable to diseases and other ecological disruptions.
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has classified the key deer as an endangered species since 1967. Conservation efforts, including habitat protection and population monitoring, have been implemented to mitigate the threats these deer face and ensure their long-term survival in their native habitat.
Common Misspellings for KEY DEER
- jey deer
- mey deer
- ley deer
- oey deer
- iey deer
- kwy deer
- ksy deer
- kdy deer
- kry deer
- k4y deer
- k3y deer
- ket deer
- keg deer
- keh deer
- keu deer
- ke7 deer
- ke6 deer
- key seer
- key xeer
- key ceer
Etymology of KEY DEER
The word "key deer" is derived from the name of the geographic region where these deer are found, namely the Florida Keys. The Florida Keys are a chain of small islands off the southern coast of Florida, and the "key" part of "key deer" refers to these islands. The deer species found in this region is unique and known as the "Key deer" due to its association with the Florida Keys.
