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There is a subspecies of wapiti in Mongolia called the Altai wapiti ( Cervus canadensis sibiricus), also known as the Altai maral. The name wapiti is from the Shawnee and Cree word waapiti (in Cree syllabics: ᐙᐱᑎ or ᐚᐱᑎ), meaning "white rump". stateīy the 17th century, Alces alces (called "elk" in Europe) had long been extirpated from the British Isles, and the meaning of the word "elk" to English-speakers became rather vague, acquiring a meaning similar to "large deer".
#Elk vs caribou Patch#
elaphus are the former's wider rump patch and paler-hued antlers. Key morphological differences that distinguish C. Elk were long believed to belong to a subspecies of the European red deer ( Cervus elaphus), but evidence from many mitochondrial DNA genetic studies beginning in 1998 shows that the two are distinct species. Their meat is leaner and higher in protein than beef or chicken. In parts of Asia, antlers and their velvet are used in traditional medicines. Some cultures revere the elk as having spiritual significance. Efforts to eliminate infectious diseases from elk populations, largely by vaccination, have had mixed success. Its adaptability may in fact threaten endemic species and the ecosystems into which it has been introduced.Įlk are susceptible to a number of infectious diseases, some of which can be transmitted to livestock. The elk has adapted well to countries where it has been introduced, including Argentina and New Zealand. Populations were present across Eurasia into Western Europe during the Late Pleistocene and survived into the early Holocene in southern Sweden and the Alps the extinct Merriam's elk subspecies ranged into Mexico. Although it is currently native to North America and central/eastern Asia, it had a much wider distribution in the past.
#Elk vs caribou series#
Males also engage in ritualized mating behaviors during the rut, including posturing, antler wrestling (sparring), and bugling, a loud series of vocalizations that establishes dominance over other males and attracts females. Male elk have large antlers which they shed each year.
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It originates from the Shawnee and Cree word waapiti, meaning 'white rump'.Įlk range in forest and forest-edge habitat, feeding on grasses, plants, leaves, and bark. The name "wapiti" is sometimes used in North America for Cervus canadensis. The common name elk, used in North America, creates confusion because the larger Alces alces, which is called moose in North America, is also called elk in British English, and related names in other European languages (German Elch, Swedish älg, and French élan). The elk ( Cervus canadensis), also known as the wapiti, is one of the largest species within the deer family, Cervidae, and one of the largest terrestrial mammals in its native range of North America, as well as Central and East Asia. Former (light green) and current (dark green) native ranges of Cervus canadensis
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