Bawean deer

Bawean deer (Axis kuhlii )

The Bawean deer (Axis kuhlii ) is a mammal of the deer family ( Cervidae ). It is endemic to Bawean, a claim belonging to Indonesia and located between Java and Borneo Island of 190 sq km area.

Features

Bawean deer are similar to the closely related hog deer, are contrary to this, however, single-colored and unspotted. The soft fur is light brown in color, the tail is slightly bushy. As with many forest-dwelling animals of the body at the shoulders is slightly lower than at the hip, which facilitates the progress of the dense undergrowth. The antler is relatively short, ending in three peaks, as in almost all species of deer, it is only worn by the male. These deer can reach a body length of about 140 centimeters, a shoulder height of about 65 to 70 centimeters and a weight of 50 to 60 kilograms.

Lifestyle and diet

Bawean deer inhabit woodlands and are nocturnal. During the day, they retreat into the dense undergrowth to go out at night in search of food. They often use several times the same sleeping quarters and create for faster advancement trails. These deer live usually solitary, sometimes you can also watch couples. The food consists of leaves and grasses.

Reproduction

The pairing can take place throughout the year, but most births fall in the months of February to June. The gestation period is about 225-230 days; usually comes a single young is born, twins are rare. The boys are only slightly mottled, these stains are lost beyond quickly.

Threat

Threats include the destruction of habitat and predation by feral dogs. Because of this and because of their small distribution area ( the smallest of all species of deer ) is the type listed by the IUCN as " critically endangered " ( critically endangered ). An estimate from 2006 estimated the stock to around 250 to 300 animals.

System

Some suspect that the Bawean deer similar to the Calamian deer no own way was, but descended from feral hog deer, which was brought by the people on the island. Is likely, however, that the stocks represent the remains of a more widespread during the Pleistocene kind that came at a time after Bawean, when the island was still connected to a land bridge with Java.