Manchurian Wapiti

lat.  Cervus elaphus xanthopygus

Manchurian Wapiti is often called Wapiti de Manchuria (Sp), Ussuri Hirsch, Isubra (G), Wapiti de Mandchourie (F). Called isubra, or izyubr maral in Russia.

Description (male) Shoulder height 57-59 inches (145-150 cm).
Smaller than the Altai wapiti. The summer coat is a vivid red, with the rump patch also reddish and merging with the body color so that it is almost indistinguishable. The winter coat is a uniform, dark grayish-brown, contrasting with the rump patch, which is less red than in summer. The rump patch is very large and divided by a narrow dark stripe. The Manchurian wapiti has a longer and narrower muzzle than other Asian or American wapitis. The antlers are relatively weak, especially in the upper tines. A very good set will have five or six points on a side and measure 35-40 inches (89-102 cm) in beam length.

Behavior The rut is during September, with the calves born May and June. Reportedly does not bugle during the rut. Known to hybridize with sika deer in southeastern Siberia.

Destribution Russia: Southeastern Siberia in the Amur-Ussuri River region. China: Extreme northeastern Inner Mongolia, Heilongjiang, eastern Jilin, and eastern Liaoning. North Korea: Hamgiong Mountains. Boundaries with the Altai wapiti to the west are unclear. In addition to the wild populations, about 50,000 of this subspecies are on deer farms in China.

Taxonomic notes Includes the named races bedfordianus (Manchuria), isubra (northern Manchuria), ussuricus (southeastern Siberia), and xanthopygus (northeastern China), with xanthopygus Milne-Edwards, 1867, having priority.

Go to manchurian wapiti picture gallery.