Herten

Herten are a group of hoofed mammals belonging to the family Cervidae. They occur in a variety of habitats across the Northern Hemisphere, including forests, woodlands, meadows and savannas, and comprise many species such as roe deer, red deer, white-tailed deer and moose, among others. In most deer species, only the males grow antlers and shed them annually; reindeer (caribou) are an exception, as both males and females typically grow antlers.

Physiology and behavior

Herten are ruminants with cloven hooves. They are adapted to a herbivorous diet that includes grasses, leaves, shoots, bark, fruits and buds. Their feeding patterns vary seasonally with availability of vegetation, and they may switch between grazing and browsing as conditions change. Social organization varies by species; some individuals live solitary lives or in small groups, while others form larger herds, particularly during winter.

Reproduction and life cycle

Mating typically occurs in autumn during the rut. After a gestation period of roughly six to seven months, females give birth to one or two fawns, though single births are more common. Fawns are cared for by the mother and remain hidden for a period before joining the group. Adult survival and reproduction are influenced by food access, habitat quality, predation and human-related factors.

Ecology and human interaction

Herten play a role in ecosystem dynamics through vegetation management and seed dispersal. They are commonly hunted for meat and, in many regions, managed as game species to control populations and mitigate conflicts with agriculture and traffic. Habitat loss, fragmentation and overhunting threaten certain species, while others maintain stable or growing populations. Conservation and management strategies aim to balance ecological integrity with human interests.