The Sika Deer (Cervus nippon) is a medium-sized ungulate (hoofed) mammal in the Cervidae family of deer. It is also known as the Spotted Deer or Japanese Deer. 

It has mahogany to black fur. The colour becomes darker in winter. The Sika Deer is one of the few deer species that does not lose its spots when it reaches maturity. The Sika stag (male) has upright antlers. The female has a pair of distinctive black bumps on her forehead. 

It can grow to 50-110 centimetres (20-43 inches) tall at the shoulder. Antlers can range from 28-45 centimetres (11-18 inches) to more than 80 centimetres (30 inches).

It is common in woodlands in Japan and eastern Asia.

The Sika Deer can be active throughout the day, although in areas with many humans, it tends to be nocturnal. The Silka Deer is an herbivorous grazer. It is a grazer. Its main predators are tigers, wolves and brown bears. 

Some Sika Deer live alone while others are found in single-sex groups. The  male is territorial. Territories are marked with a strong, musky odour.

The Sika Deer is highly vocal, with over 10 individual sounds, ranging from soft whistles to loud screams.

The female is pregnant for 210 days, before giving birth to a single baby, called a fawn, which is nursed for up to 10 months.

The average lifespan is 15-18 years.

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Location of photographs: Tbilisi Zoo, Georgia]

Photographer: Martina Nicolls

Martina Nicolls: SIMILAR BUT DIFFERENT IN THE ANIMAL KINGDOM