Scientific name: Axis kuhlii
Other names: Kuhl/s deer, Bawean hog deer, Cerf-conhon de l'ile Bawean, Cerf de Bawean, Kuhhirsch, Bawean-Schweinshirsch, Bawean Hirsch, Ciervo de Kuhl, Ciervo porqurizo de kuhl, Menjangan Bawean, Rusa Bawean, Uncal Bawean
Physical Characteristics
- Head and body length: 140 cm
- Shoulder height: 65-70 cm
- Tail length: 20 cm
- Adult weight: 50-60 kg
Classification
Kingdom:
Phylum: Class: Order: Suborder: Family: Subfamily: Tribe: Genus: |
Animalia Chordata Mammalia Cetartiodactyla Ruminantia Cervidae Cervinae Cervini Axis |
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Similar species
- Easily identifiable based on range in the wild, the Bawean deer closely resembles the two other members of the subgenus Hyelaphus: the Calamian deer (Axis calamianensis) and the hog deer (Axis porcinus). The Bawean deer can be considered to be a smaller version of the hog deer, with shorter legs, a shorter face, and in males shorter antlers; this species tends to be darker in color than the Calamian deer.
Reproduction and Development
- Gestation period: 225-230 days.
- Litter size: 1, twins are very rare.
Ecology and Behavior
Bawean deer are mostly nocturnal. During the day they rest in dense forest,
and emerge into clearings around dusk using well-trodden trails. Such clearings
are the center of social activity, with courting, challenging, fighting,
and mating all occurring outside of the dense forest. Although this species
is solitary, they are highly vocal with one another. Sharp bark-like sounds
are used to help a mother locate her offspring, and may also be used if a
pair of deer become separated. Males will also bark to challenge each other,
usually stomping their feet while doing so. This species does not have an
alarm call, and responds to a threat by creeping away quietly in an attempt
to go undetected.
- Family group: Usually solitary.
- Diet: Grasses (especially young lalang grass) and leaves.
- Main Predators: Large pythons and feral domestic dogs; wild pigs and macaques may prey upon youngsters.
Habitat and Distribution
Bawean deer are only found on the small Indonesian island of Bawean, located
between Borneo and Java. Their preferred habitat is secondary forest with
dense undergrowth and intermittent grassy clearings. The approximate range
is depicted in the map below.
Range Map
(Redrawn from Blouch and Atmosoedirdjo, 1987)
Conservation Status
- IUCN Red List: Critically endangered (2008).
- CITES Listing: Appendix I (2009).
- Threats: Habitat loss due to logging and agriculture, depredation by feral dogs.
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