Sika Deer
Cervus nippon
Also known as: Shansi Sika · Sika · Japanese Deer · Spotted Deer · Japanese Spotted Deer · Shika
Mammalia
UNCOMMON
Stats
- Lifespan
- 12-16 yrs
- Size
- Medium
- Diet
- Herbivore
- Activity
- Crepuscular
- Social
- Herd
- Biome
- Temperate forest
- Range
- East Asia
- Movement
- Running
- Breeding
- Live birth
- Defense
- Speed
- Status
- Uncommon
About
A native of East Asia known for the white spots that dot its reddish-brown summer coat, a pattern many adults retain year-round unlike most deer. In Nara, Japan, sika deer roam city streets and have learned to bow to visitors in exchange for crackers.
Life cycle
- 1.newborn fawnA spotted fawn stays hidden in tall grass while its mother forages, lying motionless to avoid notice.
- 2.juvenileA weaned juvenile follows the herd, browsing alongside adults and losing its spots as its coat darkens.
- 3.adultFully grown, taking part in the rut.
Learn more
Taxonomy
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Chordata
- Class
- Mammalia
- Order
- Artiodactyla
- Family
- Cervidae
- Genus
- Cervus
- Species
- Cervus nippon