10 Animals That Look like Deer with Horns

The European roe deer is a widespread species found throughout Europe and parts of the Middle East. These adaptable deer inhabit a variety of habitats, including deciduous, mixed, and coniferous forests, as well as moors, grasslands, agricultural fields, and even large urban gardens.

Roe deer are smaller than red deer, with adults typically measuring between 1 and 1.2 meters (3.3 and 3.9 feet) in length and weighing between 22 and 30 kilograms (49 and 66 pounds). Their coat color changes seasonally: in winter, it's grayish to dark brown, while in summer, it becomes reddish-brown with a distinctive white rump patch.

Interestingly, unlike most deer species that communicate primarily through scent or subtle vocalizations, roe deer are known to "bark" like a dog when alarmed or to warn others of danger.

The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) classifies the European roe deer as "Least Concern," indicating that it's not currently facing significant threats to its population.

This species of deer is known as reindeer in Europe and Asia, while in North America, it is called caribou. Despite the different names, they represent the same species.

There is considerable variation in size and weight among the various subspecies, with adults ranging in weight from 55 to 318 kg (121 to 701 lbs) and measuring between 1.50 and 2.30 meters (4.9 and 7.5 feet) in length. Their habitat encompasses a wide range of northern environments, including coastal plains, mountain ranges, arctic islands, and boreal forests (taiga).

Reindeer have specialized noses that help them survive in frigid temperatures. Their noses contain a counter-current heat exchange system that warms incoming air before it reaches their lungs, preventing heat loss.

Reindeer/caribou are the only deer species in which both males and females grow antlers. This is a unique characteristic that sets them apart from other deer.

The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) currently classifies the reindeer/caribou as Vulnerable, indicating that the species faces a risk of endangerment in the wild.

From size to behavior, discover how deer differ from their close relatives like elk and reindeer in our other article.

The moose is the largest species in the deer family (Cervidae). It is found in North America (where it is commonly called a moose), Europe (where it is known as an elk), and Asia.

Moose inhabit a variety of northern environments, including boreal forests (taiga), mixed deciduous-coniferous forests, tundra edges, swamps, bogs, and other wetland areas.

Moose are excellent swimmers and can even dive underwater to forage for aquatic plants. They can hold their breath for up to a minute and have been observed diving as deep as 5 meters (16 feet) to reach their favorite food sources.

Adult moose are imposing animals, with a weight range of approximately 270 to 770 kg (595 to 1700 lbs) and a body length (excluding the tail) of 2 to 3 meters (6.6 to 9.8 feet). Their coat is typically dark brown to blackish-brown.

While many deer species have antlers that grow rapidly, moose take it to the extreme. Their antlers, which are covered in a soft, furry skin called "velvet" during growth, can grow at an astonishing rate of up to 1 inch per day.

The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) classifies the moose as Least Concern, indicating a stable global population.

The Persian fallow deer, also known as the Mesopotamian fallow deer, is a cervid species that was historically found throughout the Middle East, including regions of Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon, Palestine, Syria, Turkey, Israel, and Iran.

Today, its range is significantly reduced, with wild populations surviving only in Iran and Israel. These deer inhabit various forest types within their restricted range.

Persian fallow deer are larger than common fallow deer (Dama dama), with adults weighing between 70 and 140 kg (154 and 309 lbs). They stand 80 cm to 1.1 m (2.6 to 3.6 ft) tall at the shoulder and measure 1.30 to 2.40 m (4.3 to 7.9 ft) in length. Their coat is typically reddish-brown with distinctive white spots, and the underside is white. A key characteristic is their palmate antlers, which resemble the flattened shape of a hand or palm.

Tragically, the Persian fallow deer is classified as Endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). The primary threats to this species are hunting and habitat destruction. In fact, the Persian fallow deer was once thought to be extinct in the mid-20th century. However, a small population was rediscovered in southwestern Iran in 1956, leading to conservation efforts that have helped the species recover from the brink of extinction.

From dense forests to open plains, learn more about where deer live in our other article.

The white-tailed deer is a highly adaptable cervid species with approximately 37 recognized subspecies. It is widely distributed throughout the Americas, ranging from southern Canada through much of the United States, Mexico, and Central America, extending as far south as Peru, Ecuador, Bolivia, Colombia, Brazil, Venezuela, and the Guianas.

The species has also been introduced to regions such as the Czech Republic, Finland, and New Zealand. White-tailed deer thrive in a diverse array of temperate, subtropical, and semi-arid habitats, including various types of forests, jungles (tropical rainforests), and savannas.

Adults typically weigh between 57 and 136 kg (126 and 300 lbs), and measure from 1.6 to 2.2 meters (5.2 to 7.2 feet) in length.

Coat color varies geographically, but the most common pattern is a grayish-brown winter coat and a reddish-brown summer coat. Fawns are born with white spots that help camouflage them in their early weeks of life.

The most distinctive feature of this species is its large white tail. When alarmed or fleeing from danger, white-tailed deer raise their large tail, displaying the bright white underside. This behavior, known as "flagging," serves as a visual signal to other deer in the area, alerting them to potential threats.

The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) lists the white-tailed deer as Least Concern, reflecting its widespread distribution and generally healthy populations.

The greater kudu is an antelope species belonging to the bovine family (Bovidae), not the deer family (Cervidae). Its historical range spanned southern and eastern Africa, though populations have declined in some areas. Greater kudus prefer mixed scrub forests and are well-adapted to this type of ecosystem, thriving where many other large mammals struggle.

Greater kudus are among the tallest antelopes. They stand 1 to 1.5 meters (3.3 to 4.9 feet) tall at the shoulder, measure approximately 1.2 meters (3.9 feet) in length (body length, excluding the tail), and weigh between 120 and 315 kg (265 and 694 lbs).

Male greater kudus possess impressive, spiraling horns that can grow up to 1.8 meters (6 feet long) with 2-3 twists. These horns are used in displays of dominance and during mating season contests, but are not typically used for defense against predators.

Greater kudus have a grayish-brown coat with 6-10 white vertical stripes on their flanks, providing excellent camouflage in their preferred habitat of mixed scrub forests. When threatened, they often freeze and remain motionless, blending seamlessly with the surrounding vegetation. If detected, they will flee with a distinctive, rocking-horse-like gait.

The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) classifies the greater kudu as Least Concern, indicating a relatively stable population overall.

The common eland is a large antelope species belonging to the bovine family (Bovidae). While they share some superficial similarities with deer, they are distinctly different.

Native to Africa, common eland populations have declined in several areas due to factors such as hunting, disease, and habitat loss and modification.

Common eland are among the largest antelopes in the world. Males typically weigh between 400 and 1,000 kg (880 and 2,200 lbs), while females are smaller, weighing between 300 and 600 kg (660 and 1,320 lbs). They stand 1.30 to 1.80 meters (4.3 to 5.9 feet) tall at the shoulder and measure 2.10 to 3.45 meters (6.9 to 11.3 feet) in length. Their coat is generally a sandy gray color, often with faint whitish stripes along their sides.

When common elands walk, a unique clicking sound can often be heard coming from their knees or tendons in their forelegs. The exact purpose of this clicking is still debated among scientists, but it's thought to potentially be a form of communication within the herd, especially in dense vegetation where visibility is limited.

The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) classifies the common eland as Vulnerable, indicating a concern for their long-term survival.

The Javan rusa is native to Indonesia, specifically the islands of Java and Bali, but it has been introduced to many other islands in the region. These deer primarily inhabit tropical and subtropical grasslands, but they are also adaptable to a variety of other habitats, including forests, mountains, scrublands, and swamps.

Males are significantly larger than females, with males reaching a weight of approximately 152 kg (335 lbs) and females weighing around 74 kg (163 lbs). They measure between 83 cm and 1.1 meters (2.7 and 3.6 feet) in length. Their coat is typically grayish-brown.

During the mating season (rut), male Javan rusa engage in interesting behavior to attract females and intimidate rivals. They often decorate their antlers with grass, twigs, and other vegetation. This behavior may serve as a visual display to enhance their appearance and demonstrate their vigor.

The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) classifies the Javan rusa as Vulnerable, indicating concerns about its population status.

The sambar is a large deer species native to South and Southeast Asia. Its distribution includes:

• India
• Sri Lanka
• Himalayas (region)
• Nepal
• Bhutan
• China
• Taiwan

Sambar inhabit a wide variety of forest types, including thorny forests, arid and moist deciduous forests, dry deciduous forests, pine forests, evergreen forests, semi-evergreen forests, and the foothills of the Himalayas.

They have a thick, dark-colored coat with lighter hairs on their underparts. Adults range in weight from 100 to 260 kg (220 to 570 lbs) and measure 1.62 to 2.46 meters (5.3 to 8.1 feet) in length. Males are notably larger than females.

Sambar have a strong affinity for water and are often found near water sources such as rivers, lakes, and swamps. They are excellent swimmers and frequently enter the water to cool off, escape predators, or forage on aquatic vegetation.

Hunting and habitat transformation are the primary threats to sambar populations, leading the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) to classify the species as Vulnerable.

Curious about the variety of deer species? We dive into the different types in our related article.

The white-lipped deer is a member of the Cervidae family native to the eastern Tibetan Plateau. Sadly, populations have been significantly reduced in many areas due to hunting for meat, antlers, and other body parts used in traditional Chinese medicine.

This deer gets its common name from the distinctive white markings around its mouth and on the lower part of its throat. Its coat color changes seasonally: in winter, the upper body is dark brown, transitioning to lighter shades on the lower parts. In summer, the entire coat becomes lighter. Adults typically weigh between 130 and 140 kg (290 and 310 lbs) and measure 1.90 to 2 meters (6.2 to 6.6 feet) in length.

Unlike most deer species with pointed hooves, white-lipped deer have broad, rounded hooves that are more similar to those of cattle. These specialized hooves provide excellent traction on the steep, rocky terrain of the Tibetan Plateau, allowing them to navigate their mountainous habitat with greater ease.

The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) classifies the white-lipped deer as Vulnerable, highlighting the threats it faces.

Curious about what happens to antlers after they’re shed? We dive deeper into the fascinating process in our related article.

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