Cervus hortulorum
Kingdom Animalia
Phylum Chordata
Subphylum Vertebrata
Class Mammalia
Order Artiodactyla
Family Cervidae
This spotted deer (Cervus hortulorum) was relatively small in size and possessed relatively fine antlers. A complete set included four branches. The first branch was not very close to the pedicle. There was also a large distance between the second branch. In general, males of the Cervidae family possess antlers. These are forked bony structures without an outer sheath. The antlers are shed and replaced once a year. During the time of antler growth, they are covered in a layer of velvet, which possesses abundant blood vessels and nerves. This is known as the velvet antler stage. Later on, the velvet dries out and peels off, leaving behind the ossified antlers. Following mating season, the antlers are shed and in spring, a new set of antlers starts to grow.
