Deer and Elk Family
One of the largest families of herbivores, and the most varied, the Ungila family that is made up of the various deer, and antelope species and all their specialized cousins such as elk and caribou, ranges far and wide in both family members and sheer numbers, as well as in behavior. Some form large herds and groups, others are more solitary in nature. Some keep antlers or horns all year around, others shed them yearly. Some only the males grow them, in others all adults of the species do. Yet they do share many common traits, size, shape, body type, the hoof and foot shapes and more. A highly adaptable family, with many species making their marks quite successfully in ecosystems across all the biomes and climates of Valerick.
Monroe Alvira Winston Esq, explorer, wildlife researcher and enthusiast.
Basic Information
Anatomy
A broad family with many members, this family can be best generalized as mid size herbivores ranging broadly in size from as small as 12 kgs (26 lbs) for the smallest species, to as large as 450 kgs (1000 lbs) in a full size, very healthy and strong male elk. Long legs, and relatively light of frame, with agility that can surprise. All members of this family are quadrapeds, and though light of frame and agile, even the smallest species have a strength that can seem impressive for their size, particularly in their legs. These animals, for their size and biome, are always fast moving, though again, there is a wide variety of what that may mean across the many members of this family. An elk can move swiftly for its biome and by comparison to the creatures it shares that living space with, yet an antelope from the savannahs of Susma and southern Rohara would make an elk look slow. Such is the nature of evolution within different biomes. Different needs necessitate different adaptations.
Biological Traits
Elk Skeleton by Keon Croucher Using Midjourney
Genetics and Reproduction
Though the specifics vary from species to species within the family, by and large animals within this family mate in the early to mid autumn months, and by the age of two years old, females are mature enough to bear children. Typically a cow will bear one baby, very rarely they may bear twins. Regardless of the dynamics, herd or solitary, calves are born quite developed, able to walk shortly after birth, and able to run within perhaps hours or days, in most cases. A few exceptions exist in a handful of herd species, where the mother will seek out a hiding place near the herd's range, but somewhere hard to get to, as their calf needs a week or two before they could outrun predators. During this vulnerable period, a mother will do everything she can to remain more or less invisible. This is the most vulnerable moment for any member of this species, both calf and cow.
Typical gestation for pregnacy within this family is eight to nine months, though this can vary depending on the species in question.
Typical gestation for pregnacy within this family is eight to nine months, though this can vary depending on the species in question.
Growth Rate & Stages
By the end of their first year of life, a calf is no longer reliant on its mother, and she will no longer watch over them, as they will integrate into the herd/head out their own way as subadults. By two years of age, they are full and mature adults, capable of reproduction. The expected lifespans vary from species to species within the family, though broadly speaking they almost all fall into the range of ten to thirty years.
Ecology and Habitats
This family is highly adaptable, and the many species within it are the primary and dominant generalist herbivores in almost any biome they are in. Savannah/prairie, woodlands, jungle, hills, tundra, a member of this family will be found thriving in healthy populations in just about all biomes one can imagine.
Dietary Needs and Habits
This family is best described as wide range generalist herbivores, consisting on a vast diet of a wide variety of grasses, shrubs, leaves, shoots, fruits, nuts and other vegetation within their reaches. Different species will obviously have different dietary adaptations based upon the ecology of available plant matter within their biomes.
Behaviour
By and large, this family survives and thrives by being swift, skittish, and quiet, though many species within the family are capable of a wide range of vocalizations. They would almost always rather flee than fight, especially in a predator versus prey scenario. However it would be foolish to assume this were to mean they were defenseless, or that they would not have the potential for aggressive behavior. Particularly in larger species like elk and caribou, and particularly during mating season, bulls do have a much more ornery attitude, and will stand their ground with notably more aggression should they feel the need, or feel their chances of successful mating are being threatened. The antlers or horns these species grow, while mostly for show and intimidation, are solid and quite dangerous regardless, and they can do a lot of damage. Also, much like horses, deer/elk species have powerful leg muscles and tendons and their hooves are solid.
But even noting these truths, such animals will still, in almost every possible scenario, flee instead of fight. Such is what has made them successful, and such is their skittish nature, with their highly honed senses.
But even noting these truths, such animals will still, in almost every possible scenario, flee instead of fight. Such is what has made them successful, and such is their skittish nature, with their highly honed senses.
Additional Information
Social Structure
Varies quite widely, as within this umbrella of a family, there are both herd species and solitary species.
Domestication
There is some evidence and rudimentary practices of domestication with herd based species within this family, the most extensive of which are caribou in Suranth, though even these are not nearly as involved or fully developed as the likes of cattle or oxen, and it is more of a niche practice, though still useful in the regions it is practiced.
Uses, Products & Exploitation
Meat and pelts are the two main prizes here, as venison of all kinds are a high source of calories and protein, and in many rural regions, it will be a stable of the diet for peoples that live there. The hides and pelts will be utilized to make everything from blankets to garments to leather for shoes and simple armors. Antlers and horns are sometimes kept as trophies, however these too can be used, and turned into utensils, tool handles and more.
Geographic Origin and Distribution
A wide ranged and diverse family, you can find a species within this family thriving in almost any land biome you can imagine all across the world of Valerick, with nearly no true exceptions.
Perception and Sensory Capabilities
All members of this family have extremely honed senses, particularly hearing and scent, though they've sharper eyesight than any person as well. They are skittish creatures by nature, and any smell of anything they would remotely associate with a predator on the wind or breeze can send them scattering, disappearing into tall grasses or the woodlands like a ghost.
Lifespan
Varies by species in particularly, but broadly 10 to 30 years depending on the species in question.
Average Height
Varies widely dependent on the species in particular in question, but as small as 0.4 meters (1'5") to as tall as 1.5 meters (4'11") at the shoulder,
Average Weight
Varies widely dependent on species in particular in question, but as small as 12 kg (26 lbs) to as large as 450 kg (1000 lbs).
Average Length
Varies widely dependent on species in particular in question but as small as 0.85 meters (2'9") to as large as 2.7 meters (8'10") in the largest of elk.
Geographic Distribution
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