This is a different species to the others I have posted on here. They were Tundra Reindeer, and range free on the Cairngorms. This is a Forest Reindeer, and is one of a small herd that are at the Highland Wildlife Park. The two species are almost impossible to tell apart from each just by looking at them. The keeper did tell me, that the bases of the antlers are a slightly different shape, but I think one, you would have to be very close, and second, a real expert to see the difference.
He had last years cast antlers from both, and in your hand, side by side, yes I could see what he meant. If I was ever out in the wild trying to identify them, I think I would cheat, and look to see if they were living in forests or on the tundra.
If you look closely at his antlers, you will see that the furry covering, the velvet, is intact. This provides the blood supply to the antlers while they are growing, if you were to try and grab his antlers while they are covered in velvet, you would cause him great pain. However once the velvet is removed, the antlers become dead bone, and it allows them to fight without pain.
As usual, a great shot and wonderful interesting facts. I'm kind of taken with his hooves (if that is the right term) they seem to be much more articulated than those I'm used to seeing on cattle or horses.
