Rusa timorensis russa

(Müller & Schlegel, 1844)

Vernacular names
English : Javan  rusa, Javan deer
French : Cerf de Java, Cerf russa

Classification
Class : Mammalia
Order : Cetartiodactyla
Family : Cervidae
Notes : 6 other subspecies known. Taxonomic situation of subspecies is unclear.

Identification
Body length up to 185 cm for a weight up to 160 kg for males and about 70 kg for females. Males with long antlers with few branching (usually three). Fur mostly dark brown, almost black on back. Forehead with a grey tinge. Longer and coarser hairs on neck than on rest of body.

Range and habitat
This subspecies is endemic to Java, Indonesia. Species found from Java to Bali, Moluccas, Sulawesi, Timor and other small nearby islands. It has been introduced in many countries around the world, including Brazil and Australia. It lives mostly in tropical and subtropical grasslands but can also occur in forests, swampy areas and mountains.

Conservation
IUCN RED LIST : VULNERABLE
CITES : Not listed
Status : The species is still locally common but hunted to near extinction in some areas. Habitat loss is a long term threat although the species seems to be quite adaptable.
Ex-Situ Programs : None known

Observation

 

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