The red deer, Cervus elaphus, is one of the largest and most familiar members of the deer family, Cervidae, and one of the most widespread deer species in the world. Native populations occur across much of Europe and large portions of Asia, with related populations extending into North Africa, while the species has also been introduced into several countries outside its original range. The name can be confusing in North America because animals commonly called elk or wapiti have historically been classified within Cervus elaphus, although modern taxonomic treatments