Caucasian red deer

Zagatala State Nature Reserve

It is a species of animal belonging to the family of deer of the order Artiodactyls of the class of mammals. In Azerbaijan, a stable population remains only in the southern foothills of the Greater Caucasus. It was reintroduced in the forests around Goygol in the second half of the 20th century. It is a large, sometimes medium-sized cloven-hoofed animal. Its body length varies between 185-215 cm. The size of females is 20-25% smaller than that of males. The head is thin, the face and ears are long. The horns of adult individuals are multi-branched, at least 5-pointed. The tail is short. The fur coat changes depending on the season, its color varies from gray sand color to intense oak color with reddish or brown shades. Although newborn cubs are spotted, these spots disappear as they grow. It is mainly found in forested areas. They live in groups. Males usually move alone and in small groups. The period of dormancy begins at the beginning of autumn.