The tian shan wapiti, also known as the Central Asian wapiti, is a subspecies of elk that habituates throughout Central Asia. Other synonyms used for this species include Tian Shan elk, Altai wapiti, and Siberian wapiti. These synonyms are used interchangeably depending on the region or country where the elk is found. The Tian Shan elk is known for its impressive size, reaching up to seven feet at the shoulder and weighing up to 700 pounds. The species is quite agile and can run up to 40 mph, making it a favorite game animal for sport hunters. Despite their strength, the subspecies is threatened by habitat loss and human-caused disturbances.