The World of Deer

Deer information, history, and facts to help you understand this beautiful species and the role it plays in our ecosystem.

Referenced by the Following Media Outlets

As Seen On PBS.org, NJ.com, INaturalist (a joint venture of the California Academy of Sciences and National Geographic), and the University of Michigan Zoological Museum Blog - AnimalDiversity.org

As a trusted source of information about deer, we are regularly cited by news outlets, nonprofits, and top publications across the web.

Since 2005, WorldDeer.org has provided facts and information about the many species of deer found around the world, along with the history of this unique animal.

Today on this website you’ll find thoughtful, accurate articles that seek to explain deer behavior and the relationship between humans and deer, enhanced with stunning photographs of deer in the wild.

Read Our Latest Articles About Deer

If you’re looking for information about the biology and behavior of deer, or answers to common questions about deer, you can learn a lot about this unique species of ungulates on this website. Start here, or explore more of our articles.

Red Deer vs Elk

Red Deer vs Elk Comparison

With so many different types of deer on the planet, it’s hard to keep them all straight. Just one point of confusion is how to distinguish the Red Deer from the North American Elk (Wapiti).

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Do Deer Hibernate

Do Deer Hibernate?

Most of us know that some animals (such as the North American black bear) hunker down to sleep through the cold winter months. This is called hibernation. Have you ever wondered what deer do in

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Learn About Different Types of Deer

There are many different types of deer, and our website has information about just about all of them. We invite you to check out a few of the most interesting deer species below, and continue to explore our website to learn more about the many different types of deer around the world.

Persian Fallow Deer

Persian Fallow Deer

The Persian Fallow Deer (Dama mesopotamica), is a very rare middle-eastern deer. Today this deer has ranges in Iran and Israel. Sometimes, this deer is called the Mesopotamian Fallow Deer. By most this deer is

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Barasingha Deer

Barasingha Deer

The Barasingha deer (Rucervus Duvaucelii) is also called the swamp deer and it’s one of the most famed deer of the Indian subcontinent. You’ll find fragmented populations in both central and northern India, and there

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Calamian Deer

Calamian Deer

A subspecies of the Hog Deer, the Calamian Deer (Axis calamianensis) evolved into its own species on the Calamian islands. Today, both animals are very similar in appearance and behavior. The main differences between the

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White Lipped Deer

White Lipped Deer

White Lipped Deer (Cervus albirostris), also known as Thorold’s Deer, is a large and impressive species native to the Tibetan Plateau. The latin name, albirostris, comes from the latin albus (white) and rostrum (snout), and

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Taruca Deer

Taruca Deer

The Taruca Deer (Hippocamelus antisensis), or North Andean Deer, is a native of South America. It’s a mid-sized deer with a heavy body, and it is characterized by sandy brown hair with white patches. Taruca

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Mule Deer

Mule Deer

Named for their large, mule-like ears, Mule Deer (Odocoileus hemionus) are indigenous to western North America and can be grouped into two subspecies of black-tailed deer.

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Basic Information About Deer

  • There are many different species of deer found around the world. All are hoofed ruminant mammals that collectively form the family Cervidae. In this family there are two primary groups: Cervinae (which includes North American Elk (Wapiti), Red Deer, and Fallow Deer), and Capreolinae (which includes species such as White-Tailed Deer, Roe Deer, Moose, and Reindeer).
  • Deer live and thrive in a variety of microclimates around the globe. Some species are right at home on the frozen Tundra, while others easily navigate the dense brush of tropical rainforests. While we typically associate forests with deer, most species prefer the areas of transition between thick forests and open grasslands. This is why there’s some evidence that logging actually benefits deer in some parts of the world, though they always require adequate forest and brush cover for populations to thrive.
  • Deer come in all shapes and sizes – ranging from the imposing Moose of North America (which can stand 8.5 feet tall and is the largest species of deer), to the tiny Northern Pudu of the Andes mountain range (which typically measures just 13-14 inches in height and is the smallest species of deer in the world).
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