Family Cervidae

Species within the Cervidae family are strict herbivores with diets straddling the grazer and browser continuum. Males of the majority of the genera within the family exhibit antlers comprised of true bone and are shed and re-grown annually.

The Cervidae family

• are often referred to as ruminants (shared with bovids), a name derived from the rumen, one of four specialized chambers that start the digestive tract. As is the case for all herbivores, cervids are dependent on cellulolytic bacteria to break down cellulose.
• have two toes on each leg, covered by a keratinized hoof.

Note:  The species listed within this family only represent species for which the Hubbard Collection has specimens.  It does not represent all existing species within this family.