Move over, peacocks—there’s a new contender for nature’s flashiest flirt! Male milu deer in Jiangsu’s Dafeng Milu National Nature Reserve are turning heads with their DIY ‘crowns’—intricately woven antler decorations made from cloth, leaves, and whatever else they can find. Think of it as ‘Project Runway: Wetland Edition’.
During mating season, these deer go all out to impress. By wrapping materials around their antlers, they amplify their size and presence, basically shouting, \"Look at me!\" to potential mates. Researchers say the bigger the antler display, the higher the chances of winning the title of wetland king.
This quirky behavior isn’t just for show—it’s a survival strategy. The milu deer, once extinct in the wild, have made a comeback thanks to conservation efforts. Now, their antler artistry offers a glimpse into how nature balances beauty, competition, and revival.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com