Males: Possess 2-4 branched antlers, smaller than those of deer.
Coat: Short, smooth, reddish-yellow fur with 6-8 rows of white spots (star-like) along the flanks. A gray stripe extends from the nape along the spine. The belly is pale yellow. The four legs are slender, light yellowish-gray. The tail is short, yellowish-gray on top, white at the end, with a tuft of white hair at the tip.
Biology and Ecology:
Diet: Grass and leaves. They have been documented to consume 75 plant species, with a preference for plants with latex, such as fig (sung), ngái, and jackfruit… belonging to the Moraceae family.
Breeding: In managed conditions, births typically occur in March, April, and May. The rutting season is concentrated in August and September. Gestation period is 215-235 days. They give birth to one offspring per year. The nursing period lasts 3-4 months. Antlers are harvested from males, typically in March-April (Gregorian calendar) each year.
Habitat: In the wild, they inhabit sparse forests on hillsides, preferring dry areas. They live in herds, are docile, and shy. Under managed conditions, they are prone to digestive disorders, lung diseases, foot and mouth disease, and blood parasites.
Distribution:
Vietnam: Historically found in Cao Bằng, Bắc Kạn, Quảng Ninh, Hà Tây (Ba Vì), Thanh Hoá, Nghệ An, and Hà Tĩnh. Currently, they are virtually extinct in the wild. They are now raised in: Hà Giang, Sơn La, Hà Tây, Vĩnh Phúc, Hải Phòng, Hà Nội (Zoo), Ninh Bình, Nghệ An, Hà Tĩnh, Đắk Lắk, Bình Dương, and Ho Chi Minh City (Zoo).
Worldwide: China, North Korea, Japan, and Russia.
Value:
A rare species. The IUCN Red List (2000) classifies it as Critically Endangered (CR). Antlers have high biological activity and are valuable as medicinal ingredients. Deer farming is developing rapidly, bringing high economic benefits to households.
Status:
Virtually extinct in the wild, but the population has been restored through domestication. Currently, there are approximately 8,000-10,000 individuals raised by the population for antler harvesting and meat production.
Classification:
Extinct in the Wild (EW)
Conservation Measures:
Included in the Vietnam Red Book (2000).
Encouraging and promoting deer farming among the population.
Reintroduction into nature reserves and national parks.
