Ruadh

The Ruadh is a species of even-hooved ruminant mammal. Male Ruadh are called stags and females are called does, while the babies are called fawns. They exhibit sexual dimorphism, in that the males are up to 25% larger than the females and only the males have antlers, which they shed yearly.

They have a social organisation which can vary immensely depending on their environment, meaning that group side and habitat type are closely liked to herd size. Ruadh can be found in a variety of habitats, which can range from cool and wet to hot and dry. They seem to have a preference for older forests with dispersed areas of grass, trees and a variety of other vegetation.

The largest herd occurs before the rutting season, while the smallest groups are females with fawns. Throughout a large portion of the year, the sexes remain separated and only congregate during the mating months. However, other patterns may be described, such as bachelor groups and even mixed groups throughout the year.

Environmental adaptation
The Ruadh is a species which goes through complete triannual physiological change, depending on the season.

In summer, male Ruadh's antlers sprout large amounts of decorative vegetation from pores in the antlers. They are a display of power, and the larger the vegetation, the more likely that male is to be able to secure a doe for breeding. As the season changes, the vegetation weather away and leave the antlers bare.

In winter, the pelts of the Ruadh fade to a creamy-white, aiding to camouflage against a snowy backdrop. The end of winter is when the stags shed their antlers, ready for the coming summer months.