Striped shroud deer (SciiFii)

The striped shroud deer (Microcervus striatus) is a species of deer, most closely related to the white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus), that originally did not exist, but has since been created by SciiFii and introduced throughout the rainforests, wetlands, forests, and open woodlands across North America to help boost biodiversity. The striped shroud deer is one of the smallest species of deer, growing to be about 30 centimeters (11.8 inches) in length. The striped shroud deer is a herbivore like other species of deer and feeds primarily on the leaves, flowers, shrubs, fruits, buds, grasses, shoots, and bark, and due to the species' smaller size, they cause less destruction of grown plants, which enables them to avoid detection compared with other deer species. The striped shroud deer even has a habit of just feeding on the few leaves from each plant before moving on, as to not draw detection from humans and predators. The striped shroud deer is known to climb bushes and small trees to reach buds and bark during harsh winters. Unlike its relatives, the striped shroud deer is almost entirely nocturnal as opposed to being crepuscular to avoid predation from many predators. The striped shroud deer remain hidden in thickets and bushes during the day, where their striped patterns helps to conceal them among the undergrowth. The legs of the striped shroud deer are long and, like many other deer, allows it to run fast as a predator is spotted. Both male and female striped shroud deer have horn-like antlers (which lacks branches unlike most deer), which are replaced once a year. They are used during the rut, but also serves as protection against predators. If a predator strikes the back of the striped shroud deer, the deer fiercely throws its head backwards, in an attempt to spear the predator. The striped shroud deer is a solitary animal, but does not form territories outside of the rut, which takes place during August, during which the males call to attract the females to the area. Unlike the bellowing calls of the closely related to white-tailed deer, the falls of the striped shroud deer sounds like a high-pitched squeak. Males will compete for females by fighting, and the dominant male will often surround himself with a harem. It is during the rut that this deer species often move from their native area in search of new ones. After mating in August, the embryo has a delayed implantation, so that the birth is in late April. This is to avoid having the young being born in the dead of winter. The gestation period of around 4 months and twins make up 80% of all births, but the lifespan is only between 4 and 5 years on average (slightly shorter in lifespan than the white-tailed deer), compared with many larger species of deer. The conservation status of the striped shroud deer is Least Concern due to successful conservation efforts, the striped shroud deer's wide range and its tolerance to many of the human activities.
Category:Animals
Category:Species
Category:SciiFii