Javan rusa
A species of Sambars, Also known as Rusa deer, Timor deer Scientific name : Rusa timorensis Genus : Sambars
Javan rusa, A species of Sambars
Also known as:
Rusa deer, Timor deer
Scientific name: Rusa timorensis
Genus: Sambars
Content
Description General Info
Description
Rusa deer are distinguished by their large ears, the light tufts of hair above the eyebrows, and antlers that appear large relative to the body size. The antlers are lyre-shaped and three-tined. Males are bigger than females; head-to-body length varies from 142 to 185 cm (4.66 to 6.07 ft), with a 20 cm (7.9 in) tail. Males weigh 152–160 kg, female about 74 kg. The pelage is grayish-brown and often appears coarse. Unlike most other deer species, newborn fawns do not bear spots.
General Info
Lifespan
8-12 years
Diet
Javan rusa is chiefly a herbivorous species, displaying a strong preference for grasses. Its diet also encompasses fruits, leaves, and a variety of terrestrial vegetation. This species occasionally consumes insects and other small invertebrates.
Appearance
Javan rusa is a medium-sized deer with a slender body covered in coarse greyish-brown fur. Distinctively, males sport three-tined antlers while females lack these. Both sexes have a white patch on their lower belly and inner legs. Prominent eyes and an elongated snout are also part of its key features. Subadults have a lighter coloring, achieving full adult pigmentation later. The coat condition varies seasonally, being denser during winter.
Behavior
Javan rusa, predominantly nocturnal, digests its food by rumination. Females often form small herds while males are solitary, interacting with females only during mating season. This species is strongly territorial, with males using scent-marking to establish domain boundaries. Javan rusa has adapted to a varied diet, allowing it to thrive in diverse habitats.
Population
Decreasing