Javan rusa

Appearance

Rusa deer are recognised by their large ears, the light tufts of hair above the eyebrows, the antlers appearing too large for their body size.

Naming

Seven subspecies of ''Rusa timorensis'' are recognised:

⤷ ''R. t. timorensis'' – Timor.
⤷ ''R. t. djonga'' – Muna and Butung Islands.
⤷ ''R. t. floresiensis'' – Flores and other islands.
⤷ ''R. t. macassaricus'' – Celebes.
⤷ ''R. t. moluccensis'' – Molucca Islands.
⤷ ''R. t. renschi'' – Bali.
⤷ ''R. t. russa'' – Java.

Behavior

Rusa deer are active mostly in the early morning and late afternoon. They are rarely seen in the open and are very difficult to approach due to their keen senses and cautious instincts.

When alarmed, a rusa stag lets out an extremely loud honk. This is an alarm call and will alert any other deer in the vicinity.

Rusa deer are very sociable and seldom found alone; even if one seems to be alone it probably is not. These animals are so well camouflaged they may sometimes let a person walk right past them.

Habitat

It occupies a habitat similar to that of the Chital of India: open dry and mixed deciduous forests, parklands, and savannas. It is a close relative of the larger sambar deer. It is moderately hunted in eastern Australasia.

Rusa deer have established populations in remote islands, probably brought there by Indonesian fishermen. They adapt well, living as comfortably in the dry Australian bush as they do in their tropical homelands. This trait is shown well in the more frequent encounters on the fringes of Wollongong and Sydney, and in particular in the Royal National Park, indicating steadily growing numbers and strong herds.

Reproduction

Javan rusa breed around July and August in a period known as the rut. At this time stags battle for dominance and breeding rights, contesting them by calling in a loud shrill bark and physical contact with the antlers. Calves are born at the start of spring. Maturity is attained in three to five years, depending on conditions and habitat.