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{{Short description|Subspecies of deer}}
{{Short description|Subspecies of deer}}

{{subspeciesbox
{{Subspeciesbox
| name = Roosevelt Elk
| name = Roosevelt Elk
| image = Roosevelt_Elk_at_Northwest_Trek.jpg
| image = Roosevelt_Elk_at_Northwest_Trek.jpg
| image_caption = Male (bull) at [[Northwest Trek]], [[Washington (state)|Washington]], US
| image_caption = Male (bull) at [[Northwest Trek]], [[Washington (state)|Washington]], US
| image2 = Roosevelt Elk.jpg
| image2 = Roosevelt Elk.jpg
| image2_caption = Female at [[Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park]], [[California]], US
| image2_caption = Female (cow) at [[Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park]], [[California]], US
| genus = Cervus
| genus = Cervus
| species_link = Elk
| species_link = Elk
Line 12: Line 13:
| status = T4
| status = T4
| status_system = TNC
| status_system = TNC
| status_ref = <ref>NatureServe. 2016. ''Cervus elaphus roosevelti'', Merriam's Elk. NatureServe, Arlington, Virginia. Available https://explorer.natureserve.org/Taxon/ELEMENT_GLOBAL.2.101331/Cervus_elaphus_roosevelti. Accessed 9 December 2021.</ref>
| status_ref = <ref>{{cite web|website=NatureServe Explorer|date=2 August 2024|title= ''Cervus elaphus roosevelti'' |url= https://explorer.natureserve.org/Taxon/ELEMENT_GLOBAL.2.101331/Cervus_elaphus_roosevelti|access-date= 7 September 2024}}</ref>
| synonyms = ''Cervus elaphus roosevelti''
| synonyms = ''Cervus elaphus roosevelti''
| authority = [[Clinton Hart Merriam|Merriam]], 1897
| authority = [[Clinton Hart Merriam|Merriam]], 1897
}}
}}


The '''Roosevelt elk''' (''[[Elk|Cervus canadensis]] roosevelti)'', also known [[Common name|commonly]] as the '''Olympic elk''' and '''Roosevelt's wapiti''', is the largest of the four surviving subspecies of [[elk]] (''[[Elk|Cervus canadensis]]'') in [[North America]] by body mass<ref name="TUGtEH"/> (although by antler size, both the Boone and Crockett (rifle) and Pope and Young (bow) records have [[Rocky Mountain elk]] being larger; none of the top 10 Roosevelt elk would score in the top 20 of Pope and Young's Rocky Mountain elk.<ref>https://pope-young.tier32.com/</ref> In both species, mature bulls weigh from 700 to 1200 lbs. with very rare large bulls weighing more.<ref>Dr. Mike Jenkins, 2005</ref>) Its geographic range includes [[Pacific temperate rainforests|temperate rainforests of the Pacific Northwest]], extending to parts of northern California. It was [[Introduced species|introduced]] to [[Alaska]]'s [[Afognak]], [[Kodiak Island|Kodiak]], and [[Raspberry Island (Alaska)|Raspberry]] Islands in 1928<ref name ="coastal">{{cite web | url = http://coastalinletadventures.com/bc-roosevelt-elk-hunting-british-columbia-canada.htm | title = Guided Roosevelt Elk Hunting in BC | website = Coastal Inlet Adventures | date = 17 December 2019 | access-date = 26 July 2021 | url-status = live}}</ref><ref>
The '''Roosevelt elk''' ('''''Cervus canadensis roosevelti''')'', also known [[Common name|commonly]] as the '''Olympic elk''' and '''Roosevelt's wapiti''', is the largest of the four surviving subspecies of [[elk]] (''[[Elk|Cervus canadensis]]'') in [[North America]] by body mass.<ref name="TUGtEH"/> Mature bulls weigh from {{cvt|700|to|1200|lbs}}. with very rare large bulls weighing more.<ref>Dr. Mike Jenkins, 2005</ref> Its geographic range includes [[Pacific temperate rainforests|temperate rainforests of the Pacific Northwest]] including parts of northern California. It was [[Introduced species|introduced]] to [[Alaska]]'s [[Afognak]], [[Kodiak Island|Kodiak]], and [[Raspberry Island (Alaska)|Raspberry]] Islands in 1928<ref name ="coastal">{{cite web | url = http://coastalinletadventures.com/bc-roosevelt-elk-hunting-british-columbia-canada.htm | title = Guided Roosevelt Elk Hunting in BC | website = Coastal Inlet Adventures | date = 17 December 2019 | access-date = 26 July 2021 }}</ref><ref>
{{cite book
{{cite book
| editor = Nancy Gates
| editor = Nancy Gates
Line 37: Line 38:
| url = https://archive.org/details/mammalsofalaskac0000unse
| url = https://archive.org/details/mammalsofalaskac0000unse
}}</ref> and reintroduced to [[British Columbia]]'s [[Sunshine Coast (British Columbia)|Sunshine Coast]] from [[Vancouver Island]] in 1986.<ref name="coastal" />
}}</ref> and reintroduced to [[British Columbia]]'s [[Sunshine Coast (British Columbia)|Sunshine Coast]] from [[Vancouver Island]] in 1986.<ref name="coastal" />
==Naming and protection==

In December 1897, mammalogist [[C. Hart Merriam]] named the species after his friend [[Theodore Roosevelt]], then [[Assistant Secretary of the Navy|Assistant Secretary of the US Navy]].<ref name="morris">{{cite book | title = [[The Rise of Theodore Roosevelt]] | chapter = The Hot Weather Secretary | pages = 565–590 | last = Morris | first = Edmund | author-link = Edmund Morris (writer) | date = 1979 | isbn = 0-698-10783-7 | publisher = Coward, McCann & Geoghegan, Inc. | location = New York}}</ref>{{rp|589}} The desire to protect the Roosevelt elk was one of the primary forces behind the establishment of the Mount Olympus National Monument in 1909 by President Theodore Roosevelt. Later in 1937, President [[Franklin D. Roosevelt]] visited the region and saw the elk named after his relative.<ref name=usgs>{{cite web | last = Houston | first = Douglas |author2=Jenkins, Kurt | title=Roosevelt Elk Ecology|url=http://fresc.usgs.gov/text/olympic/research/indivproj.asp?OFSProj_ID=13| access-date=2007-12-28 | url-status = dead | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20100527213521/http://fresc.usgs.gov/text/olympic/research/indivproj.asp?OFSProj_ID=13 | archive-date = 27 May 2010}}</ref> The following year he created [[Olympic National Park]].
In December 1897, mammalogist [[C. Hart Merriam]] named the subspecies after his friend [[Theodore Roosevelt]], then [[Assistant Secretary of the Navy|Assistant Secretary of the US Navy]].<ref name="morris">{{cite book | title = [[The Rise of Theodore Roosevelt]] | chapter = The Hot Weather Secretary | pages = 565–590 | last = Morris | first = Edmund | author-link = Edmund Morris (writer) | date = 1979 | isbn = 0-698-10783-7 | publisher = Coward, McCann & Geoghegan, Inc. | location = New York}}</ref>{{rp|589}} The desire to protect the Roosevelt elk was one of the primary forces behind the establishment of the Mount Olympus National Monument in 1909 by President Theodore Roosevelt. Later in 1937, President [[Franklin D. Roosevelt]] visited the region and saw the elk named after his relative.<ref name=usgs>{{cite web | last = Houston | first = Douglas |author2=Jenkins, Kurt | title=Roosevelt Elk Ecology|url=http://fresc.usgs.gov/text/olympic/research/indivproj.asp?OFSProj_ID=13| access-date=2007-12-28 | url-status = dead | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20100527213521/http://fresc.usgs.gov/text/olympic/research/indivproj.asp?OFSProj_ID=13 | archive-date = 27 May 2010}}</ref> The following year he created [[Olympic National Park]].


==Description==
==Description==
The Roosevelt elk grows to around 6–10&nbsp;ft (1.8–3 m) in length and stands 2.5–5.6&nbsp;ft (0.75–1.7 m)<ref>Arsenault, Anthony Alan (2008). "Saskatchewan Elk (Cervus elaphus) Management Plan - Update", p.2: "1.1.2 - Physical Description", ''Fish and Wildlife Technical Report 2008-03'', Saskatchewan Ministry of Environment, Fish, and Wildlife Branch</ref> tall at the [[withers]].<ref name="MoA"/> Roosevelt elk bulls generally weigh between 700 and 1,100 [[Pound (mass)|lb]] (300–500 [[Kilogram|kg]]), while cows weigh 575–625&nbsp;lb (260–285&nbsp;kg).<ref name="TUGtEH"/> Some mature bulls from [[Raspberry Island (Alaska)|Raspberry Island]] in [[Alaska]] have weighed nearly 1,300&nbsp;lb (600&nbsp;kg).<ref name="TUGtEH">
The Roosevelt elk grows to around {{cvt|6–10|ft|m|1}} in length and stands {{cvt|2.5–5.6|ft|m|2}}<ref>{{cite book|author=Arsenault, Anthony Alan |year=2008|title=Saskatchewan Elk (''Cervus elaphus'') Management Plan - Update", "1.1.2 - Physical Description", ''Fish and Wildlife Technical Report 2008-03''|publisher=Saskatchewan Ministry of Environment, Fish, and Wildlife Branch |page=2}}</ref> tall at the [[withers]].<ref name="MoA"/> Roosevelt elk bulls generally weigh between {{convert|700|and|1100|lb|kg}}, while cows weigh {{cvt|575–625|lb|kg}}.<ref name="TUGtEH"/> Some mature bulls from [[Raspberry Island (Alaska)|Raspberry Island]] in [[Alaska]] have weighed nearly {{cvt|1300|lb|kg|0}}.<ref name="TUGtEH">
{{cite book
{{cite book
| last = Robb
| last = Robb
Line 50: Line 51:
| isbn = 1-58574-180-9
| isbn = 1-58574-180-9
}}</ref>
}}</ref>

Although the largest elk subspecies by body mass, by antler size both the Boone and Crockett (rifle)<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.boone-crockett.org/bc-worlds-record-roosevelts-elk |title=B&C World's Record|website=Boone and Crockett Club}}</ref> and Pope and Young (bow)<ref>{{cite web|url=https://pope-young.org/World-Records |title=World's Records[sic]|website=Pope and Young Club}}</ref> records have [[Rocky Mountain elk]] being larger; none of the top 10 Roosevelt elk would score in the top 20 of Pope and Young's Rocky Mountain elk.{{Citation needed|date=September 2024}}


==Diet==
==Diet==
From late spring to early fall, the Roosevelt elk feeds upon [[herbaceous plant]]s, such as [[grass]]es and [[Cyperaceae|sedge]]s.<ref name="MoA"/> During winter months, it feeds on woody plants, including [[highbush cranberry]], [[Sambucus|elderberry]], [[devil's club]], and newly planted seedlings ([[Douglas fir]] and [[western redcedar]]).<ref name="MoA"/> The Roosevelt elk is also known to eat [[blueberry|blueberries]], [[mushroom]]s, [[lichen]]s, and [[salmonberry|salmonberries]].<ref name="MoA"/>
From late spring to early fall, the Roosevelt elk feeds upon [[herbaceous plant]]s, such as [[grass]]es and [[Cyperaceae|sedge]]s.<ref name="MoA"/> During winter months, it feeds on woody plants, including [[highbush cranberry]], [[Sambucus|elderberry]], [[devil's club]], and newly planted seedlings ([[Douglas fir]] and [[western redcedar]]).<ref name="MoA"/> The Roosevelt elk is also known to eat [[Fern|ferns]], [[Blueberry|blueberries]], [[mushroom]]s, [[lichen]]s, and [[salmonberry|salmonberries]].<ref name="MoA"/>


==Longevity==
==Longevity==
In the wild, the Roosevelt elk rarely lives beyond 12 to 15 years, but in captivity it has been known to live over 25 years.<ref name="MoA"/>
In the wild, the Roosevelt elk rarely lives beyond 12 to 15 years, but in captivity it has been known to live over 25 years.<ref name="MoA"/> In 2018, the [[New York State Zoo]] had a Roosevelt elk named Rosie die in August of that year at the [[Ageing|age]] of 26, which means it was one of the oldest at that time.


==Reintroduction==
==Reintroduction==
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*[[Rocky Mountain elk]]
*[[Rocky Mountain elk]]
*[[Tule elk]]
*[[Tule elk]]
⚫
{{commons category|Cervus canadensis roosevelti}}


==References==
==References==
Line 74: Line 76:


==External links==
==External links==
⚫
{{Commons category|Cervus canadensis roosevelti}}
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20070929121011/http://www.canada.com/vancouversun/news/story.html?id=0de834b1-eee6-47a3-8404-a94a8cf38630&k=27375 Return of the elk to the B.C. Lower Mainland]
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20070929121011/http://www.canada.com/vancouversun/news/story.html?id=0de834b1-eee6-47a3-8404-a94a8cf38630&k=27375 Return of the elk to the B.C. Lower Mainland]


{{Taxonbar|from=Q1060769}}
{{Taxonbar|from=Q1060769}}
{{Authority control}}


[[Category:Elk and red deer]]
[[Category:Cervus]]
[[Category:Fauna of the Western United States]]
[[Category:Fauna of the Western United States]]
[[Category:Endemic fauna of the Pacific Northwest]]
[[Category:Endemic fauna of the Pacific Northwest]]

Latest revision as of 05:05, 25 October 2024

Roosevelt Elk
Male (bull) at Northwest Trek, Washington, US
Female (cow) at Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park, California, US

Apparently Secure  (NatureServe)[1]
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Mammalia
Order: Artiodactyla
Family: Cervidae
Genus: Cervus
Species:
C. canadensis
Subspecies:
C. c. roosevelti
Trinomial name
Cervus canadensis roosevelti
Merriam, 1897
Synonyms

Cervus elaphus roosevelti

The Roosevelt elk (Cervus canadensis roosevelti), also known commonly as the Olympic elk and Roosevelt's wapiti, is the largest of the four surviving subspecies of elk (Cervus canadensis) in North America by body mass.[2] Mature bulls weigh from 700 to 1,200 lb (320 to 540 kg). with very rare large bulls weighing more.[3] Its geographic range includes temperate rainforests of the Pacific Northwest including parts of northern California. It was introduced to Alaska's Afognak, Kodiak, and Raspberry Islands in 1928[4][5][6] and reintroduced to British Columbia's Sunshine Coast from Vancouver Island in 1986.[4]

Naming and protection

[edit]

In December 1897, mammalogist C. Hart Merriam named the subspecies after his friend Theodore Roosevelt, then Assistant Secretary of the US Navy.[7]: 589  The desire to protect the Roosevelt elk was one of the primary forces behind the establishment of the Mount Olympus National Monument in 1909 by President Theodore Roosevelt. Later in 1937, President Franklin D. Roosevelt visited the region and saw the elk named after his relative.[8] The following year he created Olympic National Park.

Description

[edit]

The Roosevelt elk grows to around 6–10 ft (1.8–3.0 m) in length and stands 2.5–5.6 ft (0.76–1.71 m)[9] tall at the withers.[6] Roosevelt elk bulls generally weigh between 700 and 1,100 pounds (320 and 500 kg), while cows weigh 575–625 lb (261–283 kg).[2] Some mature bulls from Raspberry Island in Alaska have weighed nearly 1,300 lb (590 kg).[2]

Although the largest elk subspecies by body mass, by antler size both the Boone and Crockett (rifle)[10] and Pope and Young (bow)[11] records have Rocky Mountain elk being larger; none of the top 10 Roosevelt elk would score in the top 20 of Pope and Young's Rocky Mountain elk.[citation needed]

Diet

[edit]

From late spring to early fall, the Roosevelt elk feeds upon herbaceous plants, such as grasses and sedges.[6] During winter months, it feeds on woody plants, including highbush cranberry, elderberry, devil's club, and newly planted seedlings (Douglas fir and western redcedar).[6] The Roosevelt elk is also known to eat ferns, blueberries, mushrooms, lichens, and salmonberries.[6]

Longevity

[edit]

In the wild, the Roosevelt elk rarely lives beyond 12 to 15 years, but in captivity it has been known to live over 25 years.[6] In 2018, the New York State Zoo had a Roosevelt elk named Rosie die in August of that year at the age of 26, which means it was one of the oldest at that time.

Reintroduction

[edit]

This elk subspecies, Cervus canadensis roosevelti, was reintroduced to British Columbia's Sunshine Coast from Vancouver Island in 1986.[4]

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ "Cervus elaphus roosevelti". NatureServe Explorer. 2 August 2024. Retrieved 7 September 2024.
  2. ^ a b c Robb, Bob (January 2001). The Ultimate Guide to Elk Hunting. The Lyons Press. ISBN 1-58574-180-9.
  3. ^ Dr. Mike Jenkins, 2005
  4. ^ a b c "Guided Roosevelt Elk Hunting in BC". Coastal Inlet Adventures. 17 December 2019. Retrieved 26 July 2021.
  5. ^ Nancy Gates, ed. (November 2006). The Alaska Almanac: Facts about Alaska 30th Anniversary Edition. Alaska Northwest Books. ISBN 0-88240-652-3.
  6. ^ a b c d e f Rennick, Penny (November 1996). Mammals of Alaska. Alaska Geographic Society. ISBN 1-56661-034-6.
  7. ^ Morris, Edmund (1979). "The Hot Weather Secretary". The Rise of Theodore Roosevelt. New York: Coward, McCann & Geoghegan, Inc. pp. 565–590. ISBN 0-698-10783-7.
  8. ^ Houston, Douglas; Jenkins, Kurt. "Roosevelt Elk Ecology". Archived from the original on 27 May 2010. Retrieved 2007-12-28.
  9. ^ Arsenault, Anthony Alan (2008). Saskatchewan Elk (Cervus elaphus) Management Plan - Update", "1.1.2 - Physical Description", Fish and Wildlife Technical Report 2008-03. Saskatchewan Ministry of Environment, Fish, and Wildlife Branch. p. 2.
  10. ^ "B&C World's Record". Boone and Crockett Club.
  11. ^ "World's Records[sic]". Pope and Young Club.

Further reading

[edit]
  • Merriam CH (1897). "Cervus roosevelti, a New Elk from the Olympics". Proceedings of the Biological Society of Washington 11: 271–275. (Cervus roosevelti, new species, "Roosevelt's Wapiti").
[edit]
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