The Central Asian Red Deer (Cervus hanglu)

The Central Asian red deer (Cervus hanglu), also known as Tarim Red Deer, is a subspecies of the Elk native to Western China. This seems to be a confused taxon with multiple names seen in the literature.

This large, highland deer is of very pale, finely spotted color with gray or brownish black. The winter coat is of a brownish wash. These deer, along with the Tibetan red deer, are the largest subspecies of Central Asian red deer. Older adult males may carry six tines on each antler similar to wapiti subspecies. Also, unlike other Central Asian red deer subspecies, females do have short neck manes during the winter.

This rare deer was first described in 1909 from a female specimen. 26 years later, male specimens were found and its true status became known. It lives along the Chinese-Tibetan border.