Siberian deer

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Siberian deer
Siberian deer

Siberian deer

Systematics
without rank: Forehead weapon bearer (Pecora)
Family : Deer (Cervidae)
Subfamily : Deer (Capreolinae)
Tribe : Capreolini
Genre : Roe deer ( capreolus )
Type : Siberian deer
Scientific name
Capreolus pygargus
( Pallas , 1771)

The Siberian deer ( Capreolus pygargus ) is a species of mammal from the deer family (Cervidae). It is closely related to the (European) deer and was previously assigned to the same species.

features

Siberian deer are similar to the European deer, but differ from them by stronger antlers, smaller ears and a paler coat color. With a head body length of up to 150 centimeters, a shoulder height of up to 100 centimeters and a weight of up to 50 kilograms, they are also significantly larger than their European relatives.

distribution and habitat

The distribution area of ​​the Siberian deer extends from the southern Urals and the regions north of the Caucasus via Kazakhstan , southern Siberia , northern and central China and Mongolia to Korea . They inhabit forests as well as grasslands, but are dependent on sufficient vegetation to provide privacy.

Systematics

Siberian and European deer can be crossed with each other, but often give birth to dead or sterile offspring. European female deer also often die giving birth to large mixed breed pups. In the wild, however, the ranges of both species only overlap in a small area on the Lower Don .

A distinction is made between two clearly distinguishable subspecies of the Siberian deer, which differ both morphologically and genetically. Capreolus pygargus pygargus occurs in the western and northern parts of the range, while Capreolus pygargus tianschanicus (the so-called Chinese deer ) is common in the southern and eastern parts. In some regions in between, such as the Altai Mountains, there are transitional forms.

Way of life

The way of life of the Siberian deer is little known, but in many respects it is likely to correspond to that of their European relatives. These animals are predominantly crepuscular and live solitary or in small groups. During the mating season, the males establish a mating territory, which they mark with urine and glandular secretions and defend against same-sex conspecifics. These areas can be up to 170 hectares in size. The diet consists of plant material such as grasses and herbs.

threat

Hunting has severely decimated the population, but due to its large distribution area, Siberian deer are not (yet) threatened. According to an estimate from 1995, the total population is one million animals.

literature

  • Ronald M. Nowak: Walker's Mammals of the World. 2 volumes. 6th edition. The Johns Hopkins University Press, Baltimore MD et al. 1999, ISBN 0-8018-5789-9 .
  • Danilkin, AA: Capreolus pygargus. The American Society of Mammalogists. Mammalian species . No. 512, 1995, pp. 1-7. first page online

Web links

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