| Tufted Deer | |
|---|---|
| Elaphodus cephalophus michianus | |
| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Mammalia |
| Order: | Artiodactyla |
| Family: | Cervidae |
| Subfamily: | Cervinae |
| Genus: | Elaphodus Milne-Edwards, 1872 |
| Species: | E. cephalophus |
| Binomial name | |
| Elaphodus cephalophus (Milne-Edwards, 1872) |
|
The Tufted Deer (Elaphodus cephalophus) is a small species of deer characterized by its prominent tuft of black hair on its forehead. It is a close relative of the muntjac, living somewhat further north over a wide area of central China and northeastern Myanmar. Although suffering from overhunting and habitat loss, this deer is not considered to be endangered. It is the only member of the genus Elaphodus. It is restricted to forested mountain habitat up to 4500 meters above sea level, making study difficult.
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Four subspecies of the tufted deer are recognized, with one having doubtful taxonomic status:[1]
The tufted deer is similar to a muntjac in appearance, but the longer necks and legs give it a slightly leaner appearance. The coat is coarse with short and stiff hairs, being almost black in the winter and chocolate brown in the summer. The lips, tip of the ears, and the underside of the tails are white. Perhaps the most striking feature of this deer is a tuft of horseshoe shaped hair on the forehead, being brown to black in color, and could be up to 17 cm in length. The white tail is used as a signal of alarm before escaping.[3]
The tufted deer is a small deer, but still larger than most muntjac species. It could stand up to 50 – 70 cm at the shoulder, and the weight varies greatly from 17 – 50 kg. The tail is short at around 10 cm in length. The antler is only present in males and is extremely short, almost hidden by its long tuft of hair.[2] Male deers also have long and sharp canines that protrude out of their mouths like fangs.
The tufted deer is found mainly in China, where it occurs in the south from eastern coast to eastern Tibet. It is absent from the extreme south of the country. There are old records of this species in northeastern Myanmar, but recent surveys failed to find any, possibly due to the lack of surveys on the preferred habitat.[1]
The tufted deer inhabits high, damp forests from 500m asl to 4500 asl, close to the tree line. It is found in both evergreen and deciduous forests with extensive understory and nearby freshwater supply. The availability of salt licks is also a positive factor to the presence of this animal. This deer is able to withstand minor human disturbances, and is occasionally found in cultivated lands.[2]
The tufted deer is mainly solitary or found in pairs. It is crepuscular and travels in fixed routes about its territory, which is vigorously defended by the males. This is a timid animal and prefer places with good cover, where it is well camouflaged. It is easily disturbed and when alarmed it will let out a bark before running away in a wild pattern, displaying its white rump with every jump and flops down after, making it difficult for the enemy to follow.[4]
The mating season occurs between September and December, during which the loud barks males make could be easily heard. The gestation period lasts about 6 months and a litter of 1 - 2 is born in early summer. The young becomes sexually mature at the age of 1 – 2 years, and could live up to 10 – 12 years in the wild. The life span is much shorter in captivity, at about 7 years due to the frequent visits by humans makes this shy animal uncomfortable.[2][4]
Surveys from 1998 put the estimated population around 300,000 - 500,000 individuals, though a substantial, ongoing decline is almost certain. Overharvesting of large animals in China is a serious threat not only to this species. The hide of this deer is a fairly high-end texile material, especially after the vigorous conservation efforts made on other more endangered species. Habitat loss is also an issue in this rapidly developing country. In China, this species is listed as provincially protected species in many places, but it is not protected by the national law. It occurs in a number of protected areas. More study needs to be done on this poorly known species for efficient protection.[1]