They occur at altitudes above 3,500 metres.Īlthough they are found over a fairly large range area, their distribution is patchy because suitable habitat for these deer is also distributed unevenly. Thorold’s Deer are often found in areas of Rhododendron forest. They prefer habitats that have a mixture of forest and open clearings. These deer live on the high mountain slopes of the Himalayas and surrounding areas. There are about 100,000 remaining animals in the wild. The IUCN classifies White Lipped Deer as vulnerable. Many of the deer’s body parts are used in oriental medicine and the deer is killed by Chinese hunters who can earn a lot of money from the deer.Īnother problem the deer faces is habitat loss. Populations have fallen heavily mainly because of over hunting. The White Lipped Deer is found across Tibet and parts of adjoining China. The antlers of Thorold’s deer are unusual in that they have a creamy white color, unlike the more typical brown or black seen in the antlers of most other deer. They can grow to a maximum length of 130 cm, and each antler can weigh as much as 7 kg. The antlers of Thorold’s Deer grow forwards, but are carried fairly low and flattened on the male’s head. Mature males typically have antlers with a total of 6 tines, although some animals may have antlers with as many as 10 tines. The hair on this deer’s back grows in the opposite direction to the rest of its coat, which gives the back a raised and ruffled appearance. During the winter months the coat is paler in color, and is roughly twice as long as the summer coat. The under parts and the inside of the legs is a paler white color. Thorold’s deer have a dark brown colored upper coat. The hooves are large and broad, enabling them to climb easily through rough terrain. The ears are long and narrow, and in females have a short tuft of white hair. The legs are long and slender, and the head short. Further patches of white fur are found on the throat and chin.Ī large animal, the White Lipped Deer is one of the largest of all the deer species. The muzzle of the Thorold’s Deer is all white in color, and the eyes have distinct white-eye rings. On this page we’ll discuss the history of Thorold’s Deer, their size, physical appearance, behavior, range, and preferred habitat. The latin name, albirostris, comes from the latin albus (white) and rostrum (snout), and describes the distinctive white lips and muzzle of this deer, one which plays a vital ecological role in the alpine region of Tibet. White Lipped Deer ( Cervus albirostris), also known as Thorold’s Deer, is a large and impressive species native to the Tibetan Plateau.
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