This deer is native to Indonesia, especially Java, Bali and Nusa Tenggara. It also well known as the mascot of West Nusa Tenggara due to raise awareness about their existence. Yep, none other than an impressive-looking Javan Deer!

Even though their body is smaller than Reindeer, does not make the Javan Deer any less unique than its relatives. Let’s take a look some facts about them on below article!

Recognizable Characteristics

If you look closely at their body, Javan Deer (Rusa timorensis) have dark blackish brown and more yellowish at the inner area. Only the males have medium-sized antlers and bigger body than the females. Their body can weigh up to 74 – 160 kilogram, with a life span about 15 – 20 years.

Their antlers have bony horns and will feel warm because it is made of keratin. However, the males will be very protective of their antlers and prefer to fight with their hooves instead.

Adaptable Instinct

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Known as generalist species, The Javan Deer have an impressive adaption towards every condition. They are able to survive any kind of environmental and food availability.

If you see them gathering to form a herd, it means there’s many sources of food available in that place!

Plants Eater

Inhabits Forest, Savanna and Grassland, they likes to eat many kind of plants they can found. They mainly feed on grass, fresh leaves, and fallen fruit. More interesting, they can consume up to 600 different types of plants without a problem, even some poisonous mushrooms! Adding by that, most of their fluid requirements are met by the food they consume, so they hardly drink water.

IUCN Status

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According to the IUCN Red List, the Javan deer is in the vulnerable status. Their population continues to decrease due to poaching. Even the distribution is estimated at less than 10,000 individuals in the wild.

One of the efforts to preserve the Javan deer to get involved in animal welfare such as visiting Bali Safari Park. By visiting the park, you already participating in the wildlife conservation program!

(See the article in Bahasa Indonesia here!)