Cervus canadensis
Sign in to saveThe elk (: elk or elks; Cervus canadensis) or wapiti (pronounced ) is the second largest species within the deer family, Cervidae, and one of the largest terrestrial mammals in its native range of North America and Central and East Asia. The word "elk" originally referred to the European variety of the moose, Alces alces, but was transferred to Cervus canadensis by North American colonists.
AI overview
The elk (Cervus canadensis), also known as wapiti, is the second largest species in the deer family and one of the largest land mammals native to North America and Central and East Asia. The animal is ecologically and culturally significant in its native regions, and the name "elk" was applied to this species by North American colonists, though it originally referred to the European moose.
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Species
Least ConcernSPECIES
- KingdomAnimalia
- PhylumChordata
- ClassMammalia
- OrderArtiodactyla
- FamilyCervidae
via GBIF · IUCN
Bird sounds
- call· United States· quality A
- call, song· Mongolia· quality A
- call· Mongolia· quality B
- call· Mongolia· quality B
via Xeno-canto
Article
17 sectionsContents
- Naming and etymology
- Taxonomy
- Subspecies
- Characteristics
- Behavior and ecology
- Reproduction and life cycle
- Migration
- Diet
- Predators and defensive tactics
- Parasites and disease
- Distribution and status
- Introductions and reintroductions
- U.S. states by estimated elk population
- Cultural references
- Commercial uses
- References
- External links
The elk (: elk or elks; Cervus canadensis) or wapiti (pronounced ) is the second largest species within the deer family, Cervidae, and one of the largest terrestrial mammals in its native range of North America and Central and East Asia. The word "elk" originally referred to the European variety of the moose, Alces alces, but was transferred to Cervus canadensis by North American colonists.
The name "wapiti" is derived from a Shawnee and Cree word meaning "white rump", after the distinctive light fur around the tail region which the animals may fluff-up or raise to signal their agitation or distress to one another, when fleeing perceived threats, or among males courting females and sparring for dominance. A similar trait is seen in other artiodactyl species, like the bighorn sheep, pronghorn and the white-tailed deer, to varying degrees.