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Types of Deer Worldwide
Here are the major types of deer found worldwide, grouped by region and species. Deer (family Cervidae) are native to every continent except Australia and Antarctica and come in a wide variety of sizes, habitats, and behaviors.
North America1. White-Tailed Deer (Odocoileus virginianus)
- Most widespread deer in North America
- Recognized by the white underside of its tail
- Found in western U.S. and Canada
- Big ears, black-tipped tail, and distinct bounding gait
- One of the largest deer species
- Native to North America and parts of Asia
- Largest deer in the world
- Known for large antlers and long legs
- Common in Canada, Alaska, and northern U.S.
- Found in northern tundra and boreal forests
- Both males and females grow antlers
6. Red Deer (Cervus elaphus)
- Europe's largest native deer
- Also found in North Africa and Central Asia
- Small and agile
- Common in woodlands across Europe
8. Sika Deer (Cervus nippon)
- Native to East Asia
- Known for spotted coats and vocal behavior
- Native to Indonesia and introduced to Australia
- Stocky build with thick antlers
- Also called swamp deer
- Found in India and Nepal
- Extinct in the wild, survives only in captivity
- Native to China; has a unique mix of features (horse-like tail, antelope body)
- South America
- 12. Marsh Deer (Blastocerus dichotomus)
- Largest South American deer
- Found in wetlands of Brazil, Argentina, and Paraguay
- World's smallest deer
- Native to the Andes and southern South America
- Native to the open plains of South America
15. Barbary Red Deer (Cervus elaphus barbarus)
- Only deer native to Africa
- Found in northern Algeria and Tunisia
- Fallow Deer (Dama dama): Native to the Mediterranean, introduced widely
- Axis Deer (Chital) (Axis axis): Native to India; introduced to Hawaii and Texas
- Sambar Deer (Rusa unicolor): Native to South and Southeast Asia, introduced to Australia and Pacific islands