Sika deer videos, photos and facts - Cervus nippon | ARKive Top Sika deer biology Primarily nocturnal (2) or crepuscular (1) , the sika deer can also sometimes be seen foraging during the day, grazing singly or in small herds (1) (2) . The sika deer is not a particularly gregarious species, and adult males tend to be solitary for most of the year (2) (3) , only gathering together once their antlers have been shed (2) . Male and female sika deer occupy different areas for most of the year, and only come together during the mating season (3) . Sika deer do not migrate large distances between summer and winter (6) , but this species is known to migrate to lower valleys in the winter (1) . Interestingly, the sika deer is a good swimmer, and is also capable of jumping over objects up to 1.7 metres in height (2) . The sika deer is a herbivorous species (6) , feeding on many different plants (2) including grasses, browse and even fruit (1) .

In the summer, this species’ diet tends to consist primarily of grasses and herbs , whereas in winter months more woody plants are consumed (2) . The shoots and bark of coniferous trees may sometimes be taken (3) , and the sika deer has been reported to feed on crops in the spring and early summer (2) . As in other deer, male sika deer rub their antlers against trees both to remove velvet and as a territory marker (5) . The antlers are cast in May (2) (5) , and grow throughout the summer (5) . The breeding season of the sika deer, known as the rut, typically occurs in the autumn (1) (4) , from about September to November (3) (6) or December (2) . Males establish and defend territories (3) (4) , using their forefeet and antlers to dig holes up to 1.6 metres wide and 0.3 metres deep in which they frequently urinate to signal territory boundaries (2) . Fierce fighting often occurs between rival males (2) (4) , who all try to drive available females into their territories where mating takes place (2) .

Successful male sika deer may mate with as many as 12 females, and may be so intent on finding females that they do not feed until later on in the rutting season (2) . The gestation period of the sika deer is around 30 weeks (1) (2) (3) (4) (6) , after which time the female gives birth to a single calf (2) (3) (4) (6) , rarely two (3) (6) . The timing of birth varies slightly with geographic location, but young are typically born between April and July (1) , mostly in May and June (2) (3) (6) . Young sika deer grow rapidly, and are weaned by late summer (4) , approaching the weight of the mother by eight months of age (2) . Female sika deer may be sexually mature at six months of age, and tend to first breed as yearlings (2) (6) . The sika deer has been reported to live for up to 12 years in the wild (2) , but individuals in captivity have been known to reach 25 years old (1) (2) .

Top Sika deer range The sika deer is native to Japan, China, Taiwan (1) (2) (4) (5) (6) and other adjacent regions of the eastern Asian mainland (5) , including south-eastern Siberia (6) . Although once found in both the Republic of Korea and the People’s Democratic Republic of Korea (1) (2) , the sika deer is known to be regionally extinct in the former, and potentially extinct in the latter. There are several subspecies of sika deer, which all have different distributions (1) . The sika deer has also been widely introduced to countries outside of its natural range (1) (2) , including Austria, Denmark, Germany, New Zealand (1) (6) , the United Kingdom (1) (5) (6) and the United States (1) (2) (4) (6) . This species was first introduced to the United Kingdom in 1860 when it was released into deer parks (5) (6) , and has since become established in the wild following escapes or deliberate release (5) (6) .

The sika deer increased its distribution on the British mainland by 5.3 percent per year between 1972 and 2002 (6) , and continues to expand its range in Scotland (3) (6) , as well as in many other countries to which it was introduced (6) . Top Sika deer habitat Showing a preference for habitats with acidic soil (3) (5) (7) , the sika deer can be found in a variety of habitats including heath (3) (5) , coniferous forests and plantations (1) (2) (3) (4) (5) . This species tends to be found in forests with a dense understorey, but is known to forage in grassy areas (1) and in dense woody thickets along the borders of freshwater (2) or brackish marshes (4) . In its introduced range within the United Kingdom, the sika deer occupies a range of habitats, including mature broadleaf woodland, bogs, saltmarshes and offshore islands (6) .

Top Sika deer threats Globally, the sika deer is not considered to be at risk of extinction, and there is a large and growing population in Japan, as well as a stable population in Russia. However, in the rest of its native range, the sika deer appears to be at risk from several factors, with fewer than 1,000 individuals of this species thought to remain in China. Key threats to this species include habitat loss, water pollution and hunting for meat and antler velvet, which is used in traditional medicines. In addition, a loss of genetic diversity through the fragmentation of the sika deer’s habitat is a cause for concern, and competition with feral animals such as goats may pose a further risk to this species (1) . Collisions with vehicles are also considered to be a threat to the sika deer (2) , but these also pose a risk to humans (5) , and the species is responsible for a number of road traffic accidents each year (6) . In many parts of its introduced range, the sika deer is having negative impacts on the local environment, as well as on the economy, particularly in areas where it is found in high numbers (5) .

The sika deer causes serious damage to timber crops and to woody vegetation in forests (5) , by browsing on tree shoots or by stripping bark during antler rubbing (3) (6) . The sika deer is also reported to cause significant changes to the species composition and vegetation structure in wetlands and areas of open heathland (6) . In addition, hybridisation with the native red deer (Cervus elpahus) in areas such as the United Kingdom is posing a conservation risk to both species by threatening their genetic integrity (1) (3) (5) (6) . In Eastern Europe, the sika deer is also known to be a vector of diseases including bovine and avian tuberculosis, as well as a carrier of intestinal parasites which can affect native wildlife (6) . In optimal habitat in the United Kingdom, the sika deer has been found to be capable of expanding its range by three to five kilometres per year (6) . Top Sika deer conservation The sika deer is classified as Least Concern (LC) on the IUCN Red List as it is abundant in Japan and increasing in number, and there is also a stable population in Russia.

However, conservation action is required elsewhere in its range where the species is not faring so well. Past management activities for Cervus nippon keramae have included the construction of drinking water facilities for the deer and the filling of mine shafts which have been known to pose a threat to the species. Conducting new assessments of the mainland subspecies has been identified as a conservation priority, and other proposed conservation measures include combating poaching, securing areas of protected habitat, the removal of feral species such as goats, and the development of a conservation education programme (1) . The sika deer does occur in a number of protected areas, including China’s Tiebu Nature Reserve and Russia’s Lazovsky Nature Reserve, as well as in Taiwan’s Kenting National Park as a result of a special deer restoration project established in 1984 (1) . ADW: Cervus nippon: INFORMATION introduced Habitat Cervus nippon is primarily a forest-dwelling deer that particularly prefers forested areas with a dense understory (Nowak 1991).

However, these animals are able to adapt quite well to a variety of other habitats such as freshwater marshes (Maryland) and grasslands (New Zealand) (Nowak 1991). In addition to their environmental adaptability, sika deer are found at a variety of elevations from sea level to 1800 m, and populations participate in seasonal altitudinal migrations of up to 700 m depending on such factors as snowfall and its subsequent melt, reproductive periods, and plant defoliation (Feldhamer 1980). The summer ranges of these animals are generally higher and larger than their winter ranges (Nowak 1991). Habitat Regions 0.00 to 5905.51 ft Physical Description Cervus nippon is a small to medium-sized deer with a head and body length of approximately 950-1,800 mm, a tail length of about 75-130 mm, and a height (measured at the shoulder) of 640-1090 mm (Feldhamer 1980, Nowak 1991).

On average, males grow until they are 7-10 years old, while females stop growing at age 4-6 years (Nowak 1991). This results in the sexual dimorphism of males averaging 8.7% larger than females (Feldhamer 1980 and Nowak 1991). The pelage of C. nippon ranges from chestnut-brown to reddish-olive and exhibits a great deal of variation resulting in colors such as yellow-brown, gray-brown, tan, black, or gray depending on the subspecies (Feldhamer 1980, Flerov 1952, Nowak 1991, Putman 1988, and Whitehead 1972). In addition, the coats of these animals are mottled with white spots arranged in seven or eight rows on the upper sides of the back (Feldhamer 1980, 1997, Nowak 1991). Moreover, the mid-dorsal area of C.

nippon is darker than the rest of its coat, and this forms a line from head to rear, terminating at a large, white, erectile rump patch often used as a distinguishing characteristic of these animals (Feldhamer 1980, 1997, Nowak 1991). The metatarsals of these deer are surrounded by tufts of grayish-tan hairs, and the hooves of adult males average 60 mm in length and 40 mm in width (those of females are slightly smaller) (Feldhamer 1980). The winter coat of sika deer is very dense with 50-70 mm long hairs, while its summer pelage is composed of much finer, straighter, and shorter (30 mm) hairs (Feldhamer 1980 and Putman 1988). The chin, throat, and belly of sika deer have an off-white or gray hue (Feldhamer 1980 and Nowak 1991).

Finally, both sexes have a shaggy neck mane that darkens in the winter (Feldhamer 1980 and Nowak 1991). Two molts occur annually in sika deer (Feldhamer 1980). In northern temperate climates the molt into winter pelage takes place over a 2-4 week period beginning in September, while the summer molt requires approximately 3 months and begins in March (Feldhamer 1980). Interestingly and for unknown reasons, it is the older deer that molt first (Feldhamer 1980). Antlers are only found among the males of this species (Nowak 1991). In the Northern Hemisphere, males are in velvet antlers from May until August, but hard antlers predominate by early September, just in time for intrasexual selection activities like fraying (Feldhamer 1980). The growth phase of antlers is about 130 days beginning immediately in May when they are generally shed (Feldhamer 1980 and Flerov 1952).

It should be noted that older males shed their antlers before their younger counterparts (Feldhamer 1980 and Flerov 1952). The antlers of sika deer are narrow, erect, and directed slightly posteriorly (Brown 1983, Feldhamer 1980, and Nowak 1991). Each is fairly short - measuring about 300-660 mm in length depending on the subspecies and local conditions - and has 2-5 tines (prongs) (Brown 1983, Feldhamer 1980, Nowak 1991, and Putman 1988). A 25 mm diameter at the base of each antler is common, while a spread of 400-500 mm is the maximum observed length (Feldhamer 1980). An upswept brow tine arises approximately 25 mm above the coronet (burr), while a bay tine is absent (Brown 1983 and Feldhamer 1980).

Also, a forked, or sometimes palmated, tine surmounts the tray tine and faces forward (Brown 1983 and Feldhamer 1980). Finally, experimentation with antler growth and development have revealed that these processes can be entrained in deer previously sensitized to decreasing day lengths by increasing day lengths (Brown 1983 and Feldhamer 1980). The skull of C. nippon is relatively short, with a rounded frontal-parietal region (Feldhamer 1980). The nasal bone does not extend beyond the maxilla, the lacrimal vacuity is fairly shallow, and the paroccipital processes extend below the occipital condyle (Feldhamer 1980). Overall, the cranial measurements of adult males averaged 8.9% larger than those of females (Feldhamer 1980). The dental formula of this species is 0/3, 1/1, 3/3, and 3/3 (Feldhamer 1980).

The upper canines of sika deer protrude from the maxilla anteriorly, while the lower canines are incisiform (Feldhamer 1980). The molariform teeth are hypsodont and selenodont (Feldhamer 1980). Other Physical Features 37.40 to 70.87 in Reproduction Cervus nippon is polygamous, and a successful male will gather as many as 12 females on his territory over the course of the mating (rutting) season (Feldhamer 1980, Nowak 1991). In addition, during the rutting season males quickly deplete their fat stores and may lose up to 20-30% of their body weight (Feldhamer 1980, Flerov 1952). Females, however, do not lose weight during the 6 week rutting season and may associate with a number of bucks in order to gain access to a number of feeding locations (Feldhamer 1980).

Mating System polygynous Both sexes reach reproductive maturity at 16-18 months (Nowak 1991). Sika deer breed in the fall (September and October), and births of single offspring occur in May and June after a gestation period of approximately 30 weeks ( 1997 and Nowak 1991). The newborn young weighs about 4.5-7.0 kg and is nursed from 1 of its mother's 4 mammae for up to 10 months on an increasingly fatty milk (contains approximately 13% fat at the inception of the lactation period and 30% fat at its conclusion) (Feldhamer 1980 and Nowak 1991). The birth of calves usually takes place in forested areas or open fields, but small outlying patches of cover may be used in some cases (Feldhamer 1980). Some researchers have proposed that interbreeding between Japanese sika deer and red deer has occurred, yielding hybrid animals with an adaptive advantage over their purebred relatives (Putman 1988).

Key Reproductive Features AnAge Behavior Cervus nippon is primarily nocturnal (Nowak 1991). In addition, sika deer are not particularly gregarious (Nowak 1991). Adult males are solitary for most of the year but sometimes band together, while females and their young form groups of 2-3 only during the calving season (Nowak 1991). Males mark the boundaries of their territories by digging holes up to 1.6 m wide and 0.3 m deep with their antlers and forefeet and urinating in them frequently (Feldhamer 1980 and Nowak 1991). In addition, thrashing of the ground cover with their antlers serves to define an individual's territory as well (Feldhamer 1980 and Nowak 1991). When territorial disputes occur between males, antlers and hooves are used as the primary weapons (Feldhamer 1980 and Nowak 1991). When running at slow to medium speed, C.

nippon uses a stiff gallop, making bounds of up to 3 m in length (Feldhamer 1980). At slightly increased speeds they exhibit a stiff-legged, quadrupedal hopping with all 4 hooves about 0.3 m off the ground simultaneously (Feldhamer 1980). With this gait bounds of 6 m in length have been reported, and these deer were able to clear obstacles up to 1.7 m in height (Feldhamer 1980). Cervus nippon is also an excellent swimmer and readily enters the water to escape predators or for other purposes (Feldhamer 1980). Surprisingly, these deer are capable of swimming up to 12 km in the sea (Feldhamer 1980). Key Behaviors social Home Range During the summer adult males begin to establish territories that average 4.76 hectares (henceforth abbreviated "ha") but can range from 2 - 12 ha (Nowak 1991).

It should be noted, however, that nonterritorial males - 4/5 of the male population - have an average home range of 11.74 ha (Nowak 1991). Communication and Perception Cervus nippon is a highly vocal species, and as of 1991, 10 different sounds have been recorded (Nowak 1991). These noises range from soft whistles used by does to communicate with each other, to "goat-like bleats" from does to fawn, to "soft, horse-like neighs" from fawn to does, to "loud, blood-curdling" screams produced by males, to an alarm call described as either a "sharp scream, a high-pitched whistle followed by a gutteral bark, or a chirp-like sound" (Feldhamer 1980, Nowak 1991, and Whitehead 1972). Sika deer also usual postures and touch in communication. They use chemical cues to convey information on reproductive status and territorial boundaries (see Behavior, above).

Communication Channels humans ( Homo sapiens ) Ecosystem Roles Sika deer are important as large prey animals for larger predators and in manipulating native vegetation through browsing. Economic Importance for Humans: Positive Sika deer are valued in China for their antlers, which are used in traditional medicine. They are also an important food and game animal. Positive Impacts body parts are source of valuable material Economic Importance for Humans: Negative Because of their taste for soy beans and corn, sika deer have undoubtedly caused some problems for farmers of these crops (Feldhamer 1980). Negative Impacts crop pest Conservation Status The following subspecies of C. nippon have been classified as endangered: C. nippon taiouanus of Taiwan, C. nippon keramae of the Ryukyu Islands, C. nippon mandarinus and C. nippon grassianus of northern China, C. nippon kopschi of east-central China, and C. nippon hortulorum of southeastern Siberia, Manchuria, and Korea (Nowak 1991, Whitehead 1972).

These animals have been subjected to unregulated hungint for food and commerce, and their forest habitats have been usurped by agriculture (Nowak 1991). In addition, predation by wolves, feral dogs, foxes, and lynx has taken a toll on populations (Feldhamer 1980). Although some sika deer are still present on farms in various locations, the above subspecies may have almost entirely vanished from the wild (except for C. nippon keramae, which still survives on three uninhabited islets) (Nowak 1991). In modern times wild-living populations of sika deer are known to have been established in the British Isles, several countries of mainland Europe, Maryland, Oklahoma, Texas, New Zealand, and Jolo Island (Nowak 1991). uses sight to communicate viviparous reproduction in which fertilization and development take place within the female body and the developing embryo derives nourishment from the female. References Brown, R.D. 1983. Antler Development in Cervidae. Caesar Kleberg Wildlife Research Institute, Kingsville. Feldhamer, G. A. 1980.

Mammalian Species: Cervus nippon. Volume One. The American Society of Mammalogists, New York City. Flerov, K.K. 1952. Musk Deer and Deer. The Academy of Sciences of the USSR, Moscow. 1997. The Assateague Naturalist Webpage. 1997. The Britannica Webpage. Nowak, R. M. 1991. Walker's Mammals of the World. Fifth Edition. Volume Two. Johns Hopkins University Press, Baltimore. Putman, R. 1988. The Natural History of Deer. Cornell University Press, Ithaca. Whitehead, G.K. 1972. Deer of the World. Constable & Company, Ltd., London. Texas Sika Deer Hunting - Trophy Sika Deer Hunts - Texas Exotic Hunting and Lodging - Kerrville Texas View our Trophy Sika Deer Hunt Packages! The antlers of an adult male are usually 8 tines but antlers having 5 or 6 tines per side sometimes occur. Females carry a pair of distinctive black bumps on the forehead.

The Sika Deer are closely related to Red Deer, Central Asian Red Deer and elk. The Sika deer found in the Texas Hill Country stem from several different races including Manchurian Sika deer, Dybowski's Sika, Japanese Sika, and the Formosan Sika. Formerly, Sika was native from southern Siberia and the adjacent Japanese island of Hokkaido south, along both the mainland and islands, to southeastern China and Formosa. They are disappearing rapidly from their range due to habitat loss, but Sika were introduced to 77 counties of central and southern Texas in 1939, with free-ranging populations known from 12 of these counties. The last count in 1988 showed the total Texas population to be in the upward 11,000. Smallest is the Japanese sika (Cervus nippon nippon), which is native to the main islands of Japan. It stands about 31 inches (79 cm) at the shoulder and weighs about 105 pounds (48 kg). The summer coat is reddish-brown with many white spots, changing to dark brown without spots in winter.

The sharply defined white rump patch is broken by a narrow, dark tail stripe. (Another small sika deer found in Texas is black year-round without white spots or rump patch. It has always been called Japanese sika and is thought to be a color phase.) Mature bucks have four points on each antler and a beam length of 16-18 inches (41-46 cm). Considerably larger is the Formosan sika (C. n. taiouanus) of Taiwan, with a shoulder height of 38 inches (97 cm) and weight of about 175 pounds (79 kg). It is a very beautiful animal, with a summer coat of bright chestnut with prominent white spots, becoming a little more drab in winter with the spots less prominent. The white rump patch has a noticeable black border and the black tail stripe is more pronounced than in the Japanese sika. Antlers have four points on a side and 18-22 inch (46-56 cm) beams.

Listed as endangered by the USF&WS (1979) and the IUCN in its native land, it may actually be extinct in the wild, surviving only in zoos and private herds in other parts of the world. Larger still is the Manchurian sika (C. n. mantchuricus), which is native to southern Manchuria and Korea. It stands 38-40 inches (97-102 cm) at the shoulder and weighs as much as 240 pounds (109 kg). The summer coat is a rich chestnut-red with rather faint spots, and a white rump patch bordered with black. This changes in winter to deep brown on the body and bluish-black on the neck, with the spots barely discernable. Trophy antlers will measure 24-26 inches (61-66 cm), with four points (sometimes five) to the side. Largest race in Texas (and in the world) is the Dybowski or Ussuri sika (C. n. hortulorum) from the Ussuri region of southeastern Siberia and eastern Manchuria, and northeastern Korea.

(It should be noted that most biologists now consider Manchurian and Dybowski sika to be the same animal.) Shoulder height is as much as 43 inches (109 cm) and weight may be 250 pounds (113 kg) or more. The summer coat is reddish-fawn, with small white spots that extend onto the neck and often fuse into rows on the flanks. The coat turns dark yellowish-brown in winter, with spots barely visible or not at all. There is a vague dorsal stripe, the white rump patch is bordered with black, and the upper surface of the tail is reddish with a black stripe. Antlers measuring 28-36 inches (71-91 cm) have been recorded in Siberia and Manchuria, usually with four points to the side, but sometimes with five or even six. All races of sika will interbreed and-because few ranchers in the United States have kept the subspecies separate-the result is a multitude of hybrid forms. While sika deer on some ranches may appear to be purebreds of this or that subspecies, there is no way to be certain.

For this reason, all North American specimens are combined for Record Books including Safari Club International. Typical sika deer antlers have four points to a side-the main beam plus three tines. A strong brow tine grows close to the burr, a trez tine (no bez tine in sika deer) grows from the top or front of the main beam, and an inner top tine grows on the inside of the beam to form a forward-facing terminal fork. Some sika stags will have additional tines, which usually are basal snags or extra top tines, and these tines are always non-typical. Sika Deer meat is probably the strongest flavored venison meat, which leaves much interpretation to be made. The Chinese fancy the meat, while many Americans dislike its strong gamey taste. Book your hunt with Texas Hunt Lodge today and get your beautiful trophy Sika deer! Special Offers Sika Deer (Cervus nippon) The Mammals of Texas - Online Edition Sika Deer* Order Artiodactyla : Family Cervidae : Cervus nippon Temminck A small to medium sized deer that, due to extensive hybridization in Texas, is highly variable in size and coloration.

In general, sika are all "compact" in form; appear "dainty-legged"; and have a short, trim, wedge-shaped head. Males carry antlers that average 28-48 cm in length, although exceptional racks may be up to 74 cm in length. Sika antlers have 3-4 points branching from a main beam; there is no palmate growth as in the fallow deer. Females have a pair of black bumps on the forehead, their placement corresponding to that of the maless antlers. Coloration is drab brown to a deep, mahogany brown mottled with numerous white spots. The degree of spotting is highly variable, however, and in some individuals spotting may be absent. The head, as well as the hair tuft over each metatarsal gland, tends to be lighter than the body. A distinctive, white rump patch is evident, especially when the animal is alerted.

Texas sika range in size from 76-89 cm shoulder height and 45-80 kg for the smaller Japanese and Formosan varieties to 89-109 cm shoulder height and 68-109 kg for the larger Dybowskis variety. Female Dybowskis sika stand about 81 cm in height and weigh 45-50 kg. Distribution in Texas. Formerly, sika were native from southern Siberia and the adjacent Japanese island of Hokkaido south, along both the mainland and islands, to southeastern China and Formosa. Sika have rapidly disappeared from much of their range due to habitat loss. Sika have been introduced in 77 counties of central and southern Texas, with free-ranging populations known from 12 of these counties. In 1988, the total statewide population was estimated to be 11,879. Habits. Sika are woodland deer characteristic of broad-leaved and mixed forests where snowfall does not exceed 10-20 cm and snow-free sites are also available.

Large forest tracts with dense understory and occasional clearings are ideal; the patchwork of brush cover and open grassland found in the Edwards Plateau and South Texas regions are well-suited to these deer. Sika feed on grasses, leaves, twigs, and tender shoots of woody plants depending on seasonal availability. In Texas, the spring preference is for grasses, although browse may also be consumed regularly, and browse use increases after the flush of spring growth has passed. The most important food for sika in Texas is live oak, with hackberry, wild plum, mustang grape, Texas sotol, and greenbriar also serving as important browse species. Favored grasses include Texas wintergrass, fall witchgrass, and meadow dropseed. Forb use generally increases in summer, and is lowest in winter. Sika males are territorial and keep harems of females during the rut, which peaks from early September through October but may last well into the winter months. Territory size varies with type of habitat and size of the buck; strong, prime bucks may hold up to 2 ha.

Territories are marked with a series of shallow pits, called "scrapes," into which the males urinate and from which emanates a strong, musky odor. Fights between rival males are sometimes fierce, long, and may even be fatal. The time of fawning is primarily May through August. After a 7� - 8 month gestation period a single fawn is born; twins are rare. Zoo longevity records typically range from 15-18 years, although an exceptionally long lifespan of 25 years, 5 months is known for one animal. * nonnative species Sika Deer - Deer Facts and Information Sika Deer Sika Deer – Cervus nippon The Sika Deer can be either small or medium in size, depending on the area where it happens to live. You will notice that they all have small legs and a very small head. The males have antlers that generally have either three or four points on them. Some do have more though if they are in a more dominant role. While the females don’t grow antlers they do have two black bumps that grow in the same location on the head. They do range significantly in coloring too.

Most of them are either a light tan or a medium brown color. They can also feature white spots that don’t go away after they are mature. Others feature a darker color that is almost gray and they don’t have any spots at all. In spite of the color differences they are indeed the same species of deer. DNA testing confirms they are all Sika Deer. Full grown males can range in weight from 150 to 240 pounds. Most of the females weigh about 70 to 100 pounds. Sika Deer Distribution Texas and Oklahoma are the main location of this type of deer and there are many hybrid programs there. The result of this is better genetics and larger sized Sika Deer. The woodland areas are where you will find them living. They also tend to be in areas where they don’t have to worry about too much snowfall as Austria and Germany that makes it easier for them to survive through the harsh winter months. However, some of the Sika Deer are known to live in the open grasslands out there. This is believed to be a shift from their normal habitat though. They have moved to find food and to find a habitat where they are able to freely move around without the scent markings of other deer.

Sika Deer Behavior The Sika Deer is extremely territorial and that can make it very hard for the young males to find a territory of their own. They will often form bachelor herds until it is time for mating to take place. Then they can become aggressive towards each other and fight to be able to mate with females. Sika Deer Feeding Sika Deer are very opportunistic when it comes to the foods they eat. As a result they seem to do very well finding enough to survive on. The specifics of what they will eat depends though on the region where they reside. Some of the common types of food that they are known to eat include grass, leaves, shoots, and twigs. They also eat many woody types of plants but they are only offered during specific periods of the season. When grass is readily offered though they will bypass other foods to consume that one. Sika Deer Reproduction The fight for mating is very heated among the bucks. They want to be able to form a harem of several females that they will be the only one to mate with. They have to show that they are strong enough to do so first.

This is why they may be ready to physically mate around two years of age but they can be two or three times that age before they really do so. The fawns are born 7 months after mating has taken place. It is very rare when more than one fawn is born at a time. The young are hidden in time to allow them to get used to the surroundings and to gain their strength. The mother will come back to check on them often and to feed them milk from her body. (Photo taken by Mistvan) Which mammal species make good pets? | MNN - Mother Nature Network MNN.com > Family > Pets Which mammal species make good pets? Scientists have used a new test of 'pet suitability' to rank 90 mammal species, but they aren't necessarily suggesting we all adopt sika deer. 2 Sika deer and some wallabies might make good pets, a new study suggests, but not on par with dogs. (Photo: woottigon/Shutterstock) Humans have spent a lot of time befriending other mammal species.

Dogs started becoming our BFFs 10,000 to 40,000 years ago, while cats have been curling up in our laps for at least 50 centuries. Even goats, which were domesticated mainly for milk and meat about 10,000 years ago, make great companion animals . But time is only part of why these relationships work. They were also pretty good matches in the first place, capitalizing on relatable traits like high intelligence or social adaptability. Wolves are clever, family-oriented hunters, so early dogs likely fit well into human homes. Cats tend to be less gregarious, yet smart, friendly and flexible enough to hobnob with benevolent apes. Goats, like horses, just seem to get us. Thousands of mammal species are known to science, though, and a wide array live as pets, from retired livestock like pigs to captive wildlife like pangolins. The popularity of exotic pets has grown globally for years, often risking not just animal welfare, but also the conservation of wild species. The pet trade has decimated many wild fish, amphibians, reptiles, birds and mammals, even large carnivores.

There are now more captive tigers in the U.S. , for example, than there are wild tigers in the world. Most people know tigers aren't good pets, but that's not always as clear for other wildlife. Mammals tend to be cute, which can overshadow needs and instincts that make them difficult or dangerous to live with. To add clarity, researchers from the Netherlands have developed a new method to assess "pet suitability" of mammal species, which they've published in the journal Frontiers in Veterinary Science . They may be cute, but tayras don't rank highly in a new list of pet suitability. (Photo: Matthijs Kuijpers/Shutterstock) To be clear, their list ( see below ) isn't meant to advocate any particular mammals as pets. It's more about creating a standard framework to help humans understand which kinds of mammals are well-suited to life with us, which aren't and why. "The main influence of this work is methodological," explains Paul Koene, a researcher at Wageningen University who led the new study. "In the Netherlands many mammal species are kept, and for a long time the government wanted to guarantee the welfare of animals.

Therefore the Dutch Animal Act was made, stating that mammals should not be kept unless they are production animals, or are species that are suitable to be kept by anyone without special knowledge or skills." To test that policy, Koene and his colleagues first came up with a list of candidate mammals, then devised a way to rank them from most to least suitable. They started by researching which mammals are most commonly kept as pets in the Netherlands, then added species to the list based on data from veterinarians and rescue centers. Sika deer, like these at Japan's Nara Park, may be suitable as companion animals. (Photo: Teddy Leung/Shutterstock) They came up with a list of 90 mammals, which obviously isn't comprehensive but still offers an interesting start. They left out species classified as "production animals," since their suitability is already established, as well as dogs and cats. They then collected existing data and expert opinions about all 90 mammals, creating one-line criteria statements against which each species could be graded. (These "one-liners," as the researchers call them, were assigned a score related to behavioral needs or welfare risks. Three teams then worked together to produce the final rankings.

The first team selected one-line statements for each species, and the second team assessed the strength of those statements in regard to behavior, health, welfare and relationships with humans, both in captivity and the wild. The third team then used those strength summaries to gauge each mammal's pet suitability.) So, minus dogs and cats, which mammals rank highest? Using this method, the researchers highlight five of their 90 mammals that seem suitable: Sika deer (Cervus nippon) Asian palm civet (Paradoxurus hermaphroditus) Here's a chart showing the top 25: Species with an AS3 score above zero are considered more suitable as pets, researchers say. (Image: Koene et. al. ) Again, this is not a suggestion that anyone adopt a sika deer or agile wallaby. It just offers perspective, hinting at the relative rarity of animals that make good human companions — and how lucky we are to have pets like dogs and cats. The full list includes lots of mammals whose unsuitability is obvious, like bears or screaming hairy armadillos, but also some popular exotic pets such as ferrets and sugar gliders .

And while a low rank doesn't necessarily mean a species should never be a pet, it does point to higher odds of problems for both parties. Species were deemed unsuitable for many different reasons — some need too much space, too much exercise or too specific of a diet, and some just have social requirements that clash with ours. And others, of course, pose a danger to themselves or to humans when living in captivity. Sugar gliders take care of themselves in the wild, but some humans find the job challenging. (Photo: Praisaeng/Shutterstock) After this initial list, the researchers plan to expand their rankings. A team is already analyzing 270 other mammals, Koene says, and looking ahead to even broader lists that are relevant to more people. "They are also looking at how to determine the suitability of birds and reptiles in the future," he says. "So the impact of the study is that there is a framework and shared database that could be further developed in a more widely used context, for instance across the E.U., the U.S. or even worldwide." It may seem strange for a list of most suitable pets to omit dogs and cats, but did it really need to include them?

It's obvious that dogs and cats mix well with humans, and while Koene says they should be included in future versions of this list, he also notes that their roles as top pets remain virtually unrivaled. "Dogs and cats are a special kind of pets, because of their way of housing (free roaming), of variation in breeds, the vast amount of literature and of the delicacy of the subject," Koene says, "and so were not analyzed." Anyway, he adds, "wallabies will certainly not replace them." Wild Animals in Japan Japanese Wildlife A colony of wild macaque monkeys live on Mount Arashiyama , on the outskirts of Kyoto. When you think of Japan, the images that come to mind are probably of big crowded cities full of people, but there’s a lot of nature too. Most of Japan consists of steep mountains, thickly covered in dense forest. As this doesn’t make for a very hospitable environment, most Japanese live on the coastal plains, leaving large expanses of pristine natural environment largely untouched by humanity.

Add to this Japan’s impressive geographical scope: its northern shores are just south of Russia’s icy east, while the southernmost islands reach almost to the tropics, and it’s perhaps not so surprising that Japan is host to a great diversity of wildlife. There are around 130 kinds of land mammal and over 600 bird species. Here are some of the most interesting and unique species. Tanuki Wild Tanuki on Sensuijima Island in Hiroshima Prefecture. Tanuki are a kind of raccoon dog that can be found throughout most of Japan. Folklore has it that they can shape-change to take on human form, or to disguise themselves as everyday objects. They’re reputed to be mischievous and jolly, though also a bit forgetful, and not very trustworthy. Despite this, most Japanese regard them fondly, and their statues are often placed by the entrances to temples to bring good luck. This tanuki is living wild in Tokyo’s densely populated Koenji district, so you have a chance of seeing one even if you don’t venture out of the major cities. Wild Boar Wild boar occur throughout all of Japan, except for the northern island of Hokkaido.

This one is a small subspecies from the Okinawa Islands in Japan’s far south west. Squirrels A red squirrel on Japan’s northern island of Hokkaido . This is the same species of red squirrel found in Europe – it’s range stretches all the way across Asia, but as you can see from the photo, Japan’s ‘red’ squirrels are more grey than red. A baby red squirrel in Hokkaido This Siberian flying squirrel was photographed in Higashikawa in Hokkaido. Other species of flying squirrel occur on the Japanese mainland, including the Japanese giant flying squirrel which can glide more than 160 metres between trees. Although they’re quite common, you’ll be lucky to see one as they only come out at night. They spend the day hiding in trees in order to avoid predators. Bears Japan’s largest wild animals are bears. This Asian black bear is on Mount Kurai in Gifu Prefecture, but black bears can be found in mountainous areas throughout most of Japan, even around the fringes of Tokyo. Japan’s other species of bear is the brown bear, found only on the northern island of Hokkaido.

This bear was seen crossing the road in Shiretoko , a World Heritage Area in Japan’s far north east. It may not look it, but this is a baby brown (not black) bear, seen crossing an ordinary road in Hokkaido. Its mother was nowhere to be seen. Wild Cats The Tsushima leopard cat is found only on Tsushima Island in western Japan. It’s critically endangered, so you’ll be very lucky to spot one in the wild. This is a captive-bred Tsushima cat at Fukuoka Zoo . The Iriomote cat is another species of wildcat, this time found only on the very remote island of Iriomote , south west of Okinawa. It’s also critically endangered with, less than 250 remaining in the wild. This road sign, warns drivers of the presence of Iriomote cats, but they are nocturnal and rarely seen. Sable A Japanese sable in Shintoku, Hokkaido. Sables were once found throughout Hokkaido, but now live only in forested areas in the north and east of the island. Red Fox A red fox in Hokkaido in winter.

Japanese folklore ascribes great wisdom and powerful magic to foxes , in particular the ability to take on human form. Sometimes they are devious, but more often they are faithful friends, or even lovers. If you think someone you meet might be a fox in disguise, you might be able to see their true form by looking either at their reflection in a mirror, or at their shadow. They also often don’t always manage to transform their tails, so keep your eyes out for people sporting big bushy tails . Another red fox in Hokkaido, this time in the spring Serow The Japanese serow is found in dense forest throughout most of Japan. It usually lives alone in or in pairs, and is distantly related to domestic sheep and goats. This serow is crossing a river in Norikura , a mountain plateau in Nagano Prefecture. Marten Japanese Marten are relatives of the sable, and are found all over Japan, except for the north of Hokkaido and on some of the smaller islands. This one was spotted on Mount Tanzawa , just west of Yokohama.

Deer The sika deer is native to Japan other parts of east Asia, but it will be familiar to many visitors as it’s been introduced to many other parts of the world, including Europe, the USA and Australia. Since the extinction of its main predator, the wolf, more than a hundred years ago, its numbers have risen sharply, and there are now around a hundred thousand living in the wild. This deer is seen by a river in Hokkaido’s Shiretoko Peninsula world heritage area. While it might not look much like the one in the photo above, this is also a sika deer, but it’s grown a longer and darker coat in preparation for the winter. It was photographed in Hokkaido in the autumn. In several places in Japan, tame deer wander into urban areas, so they’re one of the easiest of Japan’s native animals to see in the wild. This deer is roaming the streets of Miyajima , a popular tourist destination in Hiroshima Prefecture. Snow Monkeys The Japanese Macaque, or Snow Monkey, is native to Japan, and lives further north and in a colder climate than any other primate except for us humans.

Here we see a mother and her baby on Mount Arashiyama , with the city of Kyoto in the background. This monkey is sitting on an information board that explains how to approach wild monkeys. It’s in Jigokudani Yaenkoen , an area of the Joshin-Etsu Kogen National Park that is frequented by wild monkeys. The national park encompasses parts of three prefectures: Gunma, Niigata and Nagano, but Jigokudani Yaenkoen is in Nagano Prefecture. These monkeys are bathing in an onsen (a natural hot spring) within Jigokudani Yaenkoen . If you can’t make it there in person, you just might be able to see some monkeys bathing using this live webcam . Weasel Two kinds of weasel inhabit Japan. The native Japanese weasel is found nationwide, while the closely related Siberian weasel has been introduced, and is now found throughout western Japan. This photo shows a Siberian weasel at a house in Nara Prefecture . Birds This is a green pheasant, a bird found only in Japan.

In 1947 the Ornithological Society of Japan declared it to be Japan’s national bird, but this designation has never been officially recognised. Another bird often regarded as Japan’s national bird is the red crowned crane, seen here in Tokyo’s Ueno Zoo . It’s an endangered species, with only about one thousand birds remaining in the wild in Japan, and another two thousand or so in China and Korea. Here we see a wild red crowned crane in Hokkaido in winter. Giant Salamander This fellow is a Japanese giant salamander in Tokyo’s Ueno Zoo . Giant salamanders live in streams throughout most of Japan where they feed mainly on frogs and fish. They can live for nearly eighty years and grow up to 1.5 metres long, but they’re now endangered due to over-hunting and loss of habitat. Fireflies One of the most spectacular sights in Japan is fireflies in flight. These ones are at Minami Minowa Village in Nagano Prefecture. Fireflies spend the most of the year as larvae, before transforming into chrysalises, and finally emerging as flies for a short two-weeks of adult life.

This means that they’re only around during the breeding season in early summer, when they can be seen blinking their lights as they fly around trying to find a mate. They’re at their most numerous in mid June, and can be found near clean running water and rice paddies, as that is where they live during their larval stage. If you can’t make it out to the countryside, an alternative is the annual Firefly Festival in Fussa, western Tokyo. On a Saturday in mid-June, hundreds of captively-bred fireflies are released as the centrepiece of a local festival. A firefly on a leaf near the base of Mount Tsukuba , Ibaraki Prefecture, with its bioluminescent lower abdomen clearly visible. Giant Hornets This Japanese Giant Hornet was photographed on a balcony in Tokyo. They are the world’s largest hornets, and can be more than four centimetres long, with a wingspan of over six centimetres. Statistically it’s Japan’s most dangerous wild animal, as around forty people each year die of anaphylactic shock after being stung.

But please don’t let this put you off visiting Japan – you’re very unlikely to come across one, and even if you do, they rarely sting unless you do something to annoy them. Snakes The most common snake in Japan is the venomous mamushi, whose bite is occasionally fatal. The yamakagashi is also venomous, but it’s more likely to run away or hide when confronted by humans, so it’s not much of a danger. The really dangerous snakes are the highly venomous habu, but thankfully they live only in Japan’s south west islands. The snake seen here is an Okinawa habu. It likes to hide in caves and old tombs, but also enters houses in search of mice and rats. Unlike the yamakagashi, it’s not scared of humans, and may attack with lightning speed if disturbed. If medical treatment is received promptly, the bites aren’t usually life-threatening, but they can still cause permanent injury. Bizarrely, Okinawan habu are hunted for use in making a rice-based spirit called habushu , which is reputed to have medicinal properties. Some manufacturers sell this in bottles with whole intact habu inside!

Spider Crab The spider crab is perhaps the scariest of all Japan’s animals. It’s the world’s largest arthropod, and when its legs are spread out they can span more than 3.5 metres. The good news is that it lives on the sea floor at depths between fifty and three hundred metres, so you’re not likely to encounter one on the beach or while swimming in the sea. This one lives in Osaka’s Kaiyukan Aquarium . If the photo above didn’t give you the creeps, this video surely will – just be sure to watch right to the end. It’s from Enoshima Aquarium , and is a time-lapse taken over a six-hour period. Sika Deer | All About Exotics All About Exotics China and Japan islands in Asia Diet 15 yrs in the wild; 25 yrs in captivity Cost to Hunt (Cervus nippon) China and Japanese islands in Asia. Includes 3 races – Formosan, Manchurian, and Dybowski’s deer. Introduction Free-ranging sika populations in Maryland and Virginia are thought to be from a single source (Yakushima island, Japan).

ID Sika exist in a number of color variations, from rust colored (similar to axis deer to brown to almost black. Lighter color patterns often show rows of pale, white spots, while darker animals may have a group of faint, discolored spots. Underside and belly often lightly colored to gray (often in animals with darker coloration). Males and females grow neck ruff in winter months. Fawns are born mahogany with white spots that fade as they mature. Sika have a distinctive rump patch with a bright white underside that fluffs when alarmed. Have barrel-shaped torsos with dainty legs. Short snouts give a wedge-like appearance to face and head. Males grow antlers that extend upward and branch, typically sporting 3 points per side (as many as 6 per side in larger Manchurian & Dybowski’s races). Smaller Forsomon race have antlers that usually range from 11 to 19 inches (Dybowski – 24 to 36 inches). Male weights average 90 to 140 lbs. while females usually average around 70 lbs (Dybowski deer considerably more – males may weigh 250+ lbs).

Behavior Males shed velvet in late August and September and typically drop antlers from February through March. Wade in ponds when hot. Use mud wallows and make deep scrapes during rutting periods. Considered a “noisy” deer. Sika bucks bugle loudly during pre-rut and rut, much like that of an elk except at a higher pitch. Bugles consist of a series of 3 whistles, heard primarily during early morning and late afternoons. Females, or “hinds”, often communicate with their young using soft bleats and whistles. When alarmed, sika sound off with a high pitched bark and bounce off, similar to a pronghorn antelope trot. This bouncing movement, where all four legs are used to push off simultaneously, is know as stotting. Males prefer to isolate or stay in very small groups. Females and young tend to travel in small groups if habitat is dense and larger groups in more open country. Japanese Sika Food Habits Have a diet that is very adaptable between forage types depending availability. Prefer browsing on forbs when available, but switch back and forth from grasses to browse as season and habitat dictate. Drink water daily.

Breeding Rut occurs in September and October. Males are often intolerant of rivals. Dominant males gather harems of females while subordinate males may act in territory defense. Sika prefer ridges or brushy gullies for breeding activities. Females go into heat for only 1 to 2 days. They most often have 1 young after a gestation of 7.5 months and fawns are born from May to August. Twin births can occur, but are rare. Males and females mature sexually at 16 to 18 months, but some females as early as 6 months. Life Span Usually up to 15 years and exceptionally up to 18. In captivity, 25 years possible. Keeping Sika Compatible with most species, but will fight aggressively with red deer and American elk during rutting periods. All sika races cross readily with each other. Can hybridize with red deer . Fence with a height of 7.5 feet is usually sufficient. Sika Deer Hunting Check out our ‘Find A Hunt’ section for featured outfitters.

Check Out These Exotic Species Sika deer Sika deer Sika deer Appearance Adult males (stags) grow to 70 - 95cm at the shoulder and weigh 40 - 70 kg. Females (hinds) are 50 - 90cm at the shoulder and 30 - 45kg, dependent on subspecies. Sika are similar in size and coat to Fallow deer, but darker. They are reddish-brown to yellow-brown in colour with a dark dorsal stripe surrounded by white spots in the summer. During winter, they are dark grey to black and the spots are faint or absent. They have a very distinct white gland on the lower back leg. Their tail is shorter and with a less distinct stripe than fallow deer. Antlers are branched and similar to red deer but usually with a maximum of eight points. The bay tine is also absent. The angle between the brow tine and the main beam is usually less than 90o. History, distribution & habitat Sika were introduced from the Far East into Britain in 1860.

While several subspecies, including Chinese, Japanese, Formosan and Manchurian, were introduced into parks the only free-living form in Britain is the Japanese sika. It is possible that almost all (if not all) living English, Scottish and some Irish sika are descendants from only one stag and three hinds introduced to Viscount Powerscourt's deer park at Enniskerry, Eire in 1860. The preferred habitat is coniferous woodlands and heaths on acid soils. Distribution is widespread and expanding in Scotland from west to east with a strong population in Peebles-shire. They are patchy in England (bands exist across the north and south) and Northern Ireland (in County Fermanagh and County Tyrone). Sika graze on grasses and dwarf shrubs, especially heather, although coniferous tree shoots and tree bark may occasionally be taken in small quantities. Browsing of tree shoots and agricultural crops and bark stripping and bole scoring (gouging with the antlers) of plantation trees puts sika in conflict with farmers and foresters due to economic damage. Conversely, many country and forest estates can gain substantial revenue from recreational stalking and/or venison production.

Whether in conflict or used as a resource, sika populations require careful management to maintain health and quality and ensure a sustainable balance with their environment. Breeding, behaviour & lifecycle The breeding season, or rut, occurs from the end of September to November. The environment has a strong influence on mating strategy. Typically stags defend a rutting territory, much like fallow deer, and they may also switch to harem-holding when a group of hinds has been assembled. Less typically, males may congregate to form a lek or may simply wander throughout the hinds' range in search for receptive hinds. A single calf is born during early May to late June after a gestation period of 7 ½ months. They can live, exceptionally, up to 18 years. Sika are fairly unsocial, tending to be solitary for most of the year and only forming small groups in winter. The sexes are strongly segregated and occupy discrete geographic ranges for most of the year, only coming together to mate. Sika are becoming regarded as a pest in areas of conflict since the damage that they cause is serious and the rate of hybridisation with red deer alarming.

Hybridisation appears to be most pronounced at the edges of population ranges where both species meet. The first cross between the species has the appearance of both parents, but subsequent crosses result in the hybrid having the dominant parental appearance. This makes selective culling impossible, potentially reduces income from sport shooting and poses a major threat to the genetic integrity of native red deer. Indeed, some would say that there are no pure bred red deer surviving in mainland Britain and only sika in the New Forest and Peebles-shire remain pure. Sika have a wide repertoire of vocalisations. Stags groan, blow raspberries, yak-yak and give a high-pitched whistle during the rut or can emit a startling scream! Hinds with calves whine and calves reply with a bleat or squeak. When alarmed both sexes give a short, high-pitched bark. Sika are active throughout the 24-hour period but are more active during the hours of darkness in populations experiencing frequent disturbance.

Question: What kind of mammal is a sika?
Answer: Deer