Sika Deer: A Japanese Deer

Sika deer also known as spotted deer or Japanese deer is a species of deer native to most parts of East Asia but has now been introduced in many parts of the world. It is scientifically known as Cervus Nippon. Earlier it was found in abundance in Vietnam in the south to the Russian Far East to the north. At present it is extinct from all these areas except Japan where it is present in overabundance. The common name has been derived from a Japanese word.

It is one of the members of the genus Cervus and is the true deer. Formerly it was lumped in the genus with nine species. There has been a big problem of genetic pollution especially in many parts of Japan. Due to this phenomenon the data regarding the exact number of subspecies is unclear. Sika deer is one of the species of deer that does not lose its spots upon attaining maturity. Spots vary with region. The mainland subspecies bear large and more easily demarcated spots as compared to the Taiwanese and Japanese subspecies which have smaller and somewhat invisible spots. Many species introduced from Japan also lack significant spots. The colour of the fur varies from mahogany to black although white species are also known. In the winter months the colour of the fur becomes darker and the spots diminish and a mane also develops near the neck region in males. The deer are medium sized herbivores attaining a height of 50-90 cm and weighing about 30-70 kg. The males are larger than females. They have a compact body with dainty leg and often show flared rump at the time of danger like the American elk.

Sika deer have stout and upright antlers and extra buttress up from the brow tine with a thick wall. Their antlers develop some palmation. Females bear a pair of bumps on their forehead. The antlers are generally 28-45 cm in length but they may be 80 cm tall in some subspecies. Stags have a distinctive mane during the rut. They are generally diurnal but in areas of human interference they tend to be nocturnal. Seasonal migrations have been observed in some areas of Japan. Lifestyle also varies widely some live solitary while others prefer to live in separate sex groups. They produce high pitched vocals at the time of danger. The males are territorial and keep harems of females during the rut which peaks from September to October but may also lasts during the winter months. Territorial size is largely dependent upon the habitat. The territories are marked by several pits in which the males urinate and it carries a strong musky odour. The fights among the males for the female may be fatal.

Sika deer are found in the temperate and subtropical forests of East Asia and they mainly prefer dense grasslands. The dried immature antlers also known as velvet antlers are a part of traditional Chinese system of medicine.

Sika Deer: A Japanese Deer