Cervus

Cervus is a genus of deer, family Cervidae, currently recognized as containing five living species, Thorolds deer, elk, red deer, the Central Asian red deer and sika deer, though genetic evidence suggests further species may warrant recognition and a range of other species once placed here are now classified in other genera. The genus is native mainly to Eurasia, with one species in northern Africa and another in North America. Cervus deer are polygynous, forming harems in which males compete through antler size and vocalization quality during the breeding season while females compete for access to preferred mates.