Thorold‘s Deer ( Cervus Albirostris ) – An endangered species of deer found in grasslands, thickets, and high-altitude forests on the eastern Tibetan plateau. It is also known as the white-lipped deer, for the white spots around its snout.
Summary
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- 1 Description
- 2 Distribution and habitat
- 3 Behavior
- 4 Playback
- 5 Source
Description
It is one of the largest species of deer, with a shoulder height of around 115 to 140 cm (45 to 55 inches). Males, who normally weigh 180 to 230 kg (400 to 510 pounds), are significantly larger than females, weighing 90 to 160 kg (200 to 350 pounds).
The hair is coarse and grayish-brown over most of the body, fading to a yellowish-beige underparts, with a distinctive reddish-brown patch on the rump and a darker ridge of hair running down the column. During winter, the coat is paler and about twice as thick as in summer, being thicker even than that of a moose.
The head is darker than the rest of the body, especially in males, and contrasts with the pure white markings on the lips, around the nose and throat just below the chin.
Distribution and habitat
They inhabit the Chinese provinces of Tibet , Sichuan , Qinghai , Gansu and the extreme northwest of Yunnan .
They prefer mosaics of grasslands, shrubs and forests, and are often seen above the tree line. Found at elevations of 3,500 to 5,100 meters (11,500 to 16,700 feet), among the highest of any deer species, they migrate seasonally from summer pastures to lower ground in winter .
Behavior
It normally lives in herds of at least 10 individuals. Outside of the breeding season, males and females often travel separately
This species has a variety of vocalizations, including loud alarm calls, which are audible from more than 500 m (1,600 ft) away, grunts made by males in heat, and quieter grunts or meows made by females and pups.
Reproduction
Heat occurs between September and November , when herds containing both males and females become more common.
The female gives birth to a single calf after a gestation period of 220 to 250 days, usually in May and June . Shortly before giving birth , the mother locates a secluded den, often in bushes or bushes. Calves are born with white spots and can stand for about 40 minutes after birth.