Wapiti

Wapiti is one of the largest members of the deer family, resembling the red deer in appearance and build, and is found in North America and East Asia.

Wapiti live in various natural environments, ranging from dense forests to open meadows. They are social animals that form large herds to protect themselves from predators. Their diet primarily consists of grasses, leaves, tree bark, and young shoots.

Adult male wapiti can reach a shoulder height of 1.5 meters and weigh between 300 and 500 kg. They have strong, branched antlers with 6-7 tines, which can grow over 1-2 meters in length and weigh up to 16 kg. Females are generally smaller and do not have antlers. In summer, their fur takes on a reddish hue, while in winter, it becomes denser and darker to retain warmth more effectively.

Wapiti shed their antlers annually, which then regrow. These antlers are made of bone and can grow at a rate of 2.5 cm per day during the peak growth period.

In the wild, wapiti can live up to 15 years, while in captivity, they may reach up to 20 years of age.

The mating season for wapiti occurs in the fall. Males compete for the right to lead a harem of females, using their antlers and loud roars to intimidate rivals. The gestation period lasts about eight months, and in the spring, the female gives birth to one or two calves.

In the modern world, these deer are popular among wildlife enthusiasts and eco-tourism lovers. In some regions, conservation and restoration programs have been implemented to preserve their populations.

P.S. Image attribution: Membeth, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons