African Giant Deer
Megaceroides algericus
Conservation Status
Data DeficientMammalia · Artiodactyla · Cervidae
About
Megaceroides algericus is an extinct species of deer known from the Late Pleistocene to the Holocene of North Africa. It is one of only two species of deer known to have been native to the African continent, alongside the Barbary stag, a subspecies of red deer. It is considered to be closely related to the giant deer species of Eurasia.
Fun Fact
The ecology of the species is unclear owing to the lack of living analogues for its unique morphology.
Quick Facts
Habitat
Found within the Mediterranean region of northwest Africa north of the Atlas Mountains, with 26 known localities within Algeria and Morocco, extending from Bizmoune cave near Essaouira in the west to Hammam Maskhoutine and Puits des Chaachas in the East.
Diet
To be updated
Lifespan
To be updated
Threats
- Habitat Change
- Human Disturbance