Caspian red deer

The Caspian red deer, also known as the maral, noble deer, or eastern red deer, is a captivating subspecies native to the regions between the Black Sea and the Caspian Sea, including locales such as Crimea, Asia Minor, the Caucasus Mountains, and Iran. These majestic animals stand about 4 feet 6 inches tall and weigh between 500 to 700 pounds. Their impressive antlers can extend up to 4 feet in length. During the winter, their coats are dark gray, shifting to a rich dark brown in the summer. Typically, they give birth to one or two fawns in mid-spring.

Caspian red deer are social creatures, primarily active at night. Their diet consists of grasses, leaves, berries, and mushrooms. Unfortunately, these beautiful animals face several threats. One of the most significant issues is hunting for their velvet antlers, a practice that has severely reduced their population. In Russia, this form of hunting has been widespread since the 1930s, resulting in a noticeable decline in their numbers.

Predators such as leopards, wolves, and brown bears also pose a threat to the Caspian red deer. Historically, they were hunted by the now-extinct Caspian tiger, which contributed to their population decline. In eastern Georgia, human hunting activities have had a severe impact, with the population dropping from 2,500 in 1985 to just 880 in 1994.

Despite these challenges, conservation efforts are underway to protect and preserve the Caspian red deer, ensuring that these magnificent animals continue to inhabit their natural habitats for generations to come.