wapiti

Wapiti is the North American name for the species Cervus canadensis, commonly known as the elk. The term wapiti comes from a Cree or Shawnee word meaning "white rump." Taxonomically, it was long considered a subspecies of the red deer (Cervus elaphus), but genetic and morphological data support recognizing Cervus canadensis as a distinct species, with several subspecies.

Adult wapiti are large ungulates. Bulls typically stand about 1.2 to 1.4 meters at the shoulder and can weigh roughly 320 to 500 kilograms, while cows are smaller, usually 270 to 360 kilograms. The coat is brown with a lighter rump patch. Males grow large antlers annually, which can exceed 1.3 meters in length and weigh several kilograms; they are shed and regrown each year and typically have multiple tines.

Wapiti are native to much of western North America, from Alaska through western Canada and the western United States into northern Mexico. They inhabit forests, grasslands, and mountainous regions, often in river valleys and other mixed landscapes. They can form large herds in winter and smaller family groups at other times.

Behavior and ecology: wapiti are herbivores, feeding on grasses, forbs, leaves, and bark. They are diurnal with seasonal movements driven by food availability and climate. The rut occurs in autumn, during which bulls bugle to establish dominance and attract females. Calves are born after a gestation of about 240 to 262 days and stay with the cow for several months.

Conservation and human interaction: the IUCN lists wapiti as Least Concern, with populations generally stable or recovering in many areas. Threats include habitat loss and fragmentation, overhunting in some regions, and diseases such as chronic wasting disease. They are a valued game species and a major focus of wildlife viewing and tourism.