Cervus

Genus Until the 1970s, Cervus also included the members of the genera Axis, Dama, and Elaphurus, and until the late 1980s, it included members of Rucervus and Rusa. Species In the third edition of Mammal Species of the World from 2005, only the red deer (C. elaphus) and sika deer (C. nippon) were recognized as species in the genus Cervus. For example, the species Cervus canadensis (elk/wapiti) is considered a separate species. Red deer species group Within the red deer species group, some sources have recommended the Central Asian red deer (Cervus hanglu) should be treated as a species. If the Central Asian red deer (from the Caspian Sea to western China) is recognized as a species, it includes the Yarkand deer and Bactrian deer (the two may be synonymous), but it could possibly also include the Kashmir stag, which has not been sampled in recent studies. and by the American Society of Mammalogists in 2021. Others members of the red deer group, which may represent separate species, are C. corsicanus, C. wallichi and C. xanthopygus. C. xanthopygus would probably include the subspecies C. x. alashanicus (perhaps a synonym of C. x. xanthopygus), and would be found from the Russian Far East to northeastern China. If split, the potential species are C. yesoensis from northern and central Japan (Hokkaido and northern and central Honshu), C. nippon of southern Japan (southern Honshu, Shikoku, Kyushu, Okinawa, Tsushima and other small islands), C. hortulorum of mainland Asia (the Russian Far East, Korea, central and eastern China and northern Vietnam), and C. taiouanus of Taiwan. Fossil species The oldest member of the genus Cervus is Cervus magnus, known from the early-mid Pliocene of China. Other species include: • †Cervus astylodon – dwarf deer endemic to the Ryukyu Islands of Japan • †Cervus grayi • †Cervus sivalensis == Mating system ==

Members of the genus Cervus have polygynous mating systems within harems. These harems consist of several males, numerous females and their young offspring 1–3 years in age Members of this genus have a yearly breeding season where they display sensory exploitation, intrasexual competition, and weaponry. Females will fight for optimal mating opportunities and sexually selection for males with larger antler size and/or greater roar quality. The degree of polygyny and female aggregation is dependent on the level of food distribution. Females aggregating in areas with more food leading to larger harems Female distribution influences the level of polygyny. Female-female competition Female-female competition has been observed within harems in the red deer species (Cervus elaphus) prior to and during the mating season. Aggression is displayed through nose threats, kicking, and displacements. Elevated aggression has only been observed during the breeding season. Competition can be for access to mates or reproductive resources such as food, or nesting areas. Indirect benefits Females select for males with larger antlers which indirectly benefits them. Large antler size in males is a sign of health and strength. The visual display is a reliable indicator of mate quality, providing indirect benefits. The females are not directly affected by these characteristics, but they will produce more viable and fit offspring. Males with large antlers mate and sire more offspring than smaller, younger males. Large antler size is correlated with overall health, fitness and an increase in sperm production and quality. ==References==