Cretan dwarf deer (SciiFii)

The Cretan dwarf deer (Candiacervus ropalophorus), also known as the spatula-horned deer, is a species of deer that is native to Crete and was once extinct since the Pleistocene, but has since been brought back from extinction by SciiFii and reintroduced to Crete to help boost biodiversity. Due to a lack of other herbivores, the species underwent an adaptive radiation, filling niches occupied by other taxa on the mainland. Due to the small size of Crete, the species underwent insular dwarfism, making it one of, if not, the smallest species of Old World deer, standing about 40 cm at the shoulders when fully grown. The Cretan dwarf deer is noted for its peculiar, spatula-shaped antlers, which has led the animal to earn a nickname, the spatula-horned deer. Other features of the Cretan dwarf deer are the relatively short limbs, the massivity of the bones and the simplified antler. The closest living relative of the Cretan dwarf deer are any species of deer of the genus Dama, which includes the fallow deer. The Cretan dwarf deer is a specialized rock climber that uses its stocky legs for climbing onto rocky surfaces to help it reach for any vegetation on the cliffs, allowing the Cretan dwarf deer fill the similar ecological niche to the North American mountain goats. It is a solitary animal that spends throughout most of its life alone except during the breeding seasons. The conservation status of the Cretan dwarf deer is Least Concern due to successful conservation efforts and the Cretan dwarf deer's wide range.
Category:Animals
Category:Species
Category:SciiFii