Cervus nippon taiouanus

(Blyth, 1860)

Vernacular names
English : Formosan sika deer
French : Cerf sika de Formose

Classification
Class : Mammalia
Order : Cetartiodactyla
Family : Cervidae
Notes : Up to 15 other subspecies known. Their validity is questionned.

Identification
Body length of 170 cm, shoulder height of 110 cm, weight up to 120 kg. Fur is rufous brown, darker in winter, with white spots scattered all around. This species is smaller and longer-bodied than other sikas, with smaller antlers.

Range and habitat
The subspecies is endemic to the island of Taiwan and occurs mostly in the south-east. The species also occurs in most of China, Taiwan, Korea, Japan and Vietnam. Lives in lowland woodlands, mixed-forests and open grasslands, to 300 m.

Conservation
IUCN RED LIST : LEAST CONCERN
CITES : Not listed
Status : The species’ taxonomic status is greatly debated but we know most of this subspecies’ populations are endangered because of extensive habitat loss. Reintroduction plans are in progress.
Ex-Situ Programs : None known

Observation

 

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