Tibetan red deer, scientifically known as Cervus elaphus wallichi, is a subspecies of the red deer (Cervus elaphus) found in the mountainous regions of Tibet. It is a large, herbivorous mammal belonging to the family Cervidae.
The Tibetan red deer is characterized by its robust and muscular build, with adult males typically measuring up to 1.5 meters at the shoulder and weighing around 200 kilograms. Its coat is reddish-brown in summer, transitioning to a grayish-brown in winter, allowing for effective camouflage within its natural habitat. The males possess large, branched antlers that can span up to a meter in length.
These deer are primarily found in alpine and subalpine meadows, as well as mixed coniferous forests of the Tibetan Plateau. They are well adapted to the harsh and extreme conditions of their habitat, including cold temperatures and high altitudes.
Tibetan red deer are herbivores, feeding on a variety of grasses, leaves, shoots, and sedges. During the winter months, when food becomes scarce, they may resort to bark and twigs as an alternative food source.
Due to various anthropogenic factors such as habitat loss, poaching, and overhunting, the population of Tibetan red deer is currently in decline, leading to a vulnerable conservation status. Several measures, including protected areas and conservation initiatives, are being implemented for their preservation.
