Rusa Deer

Background

The only wild population of Rusa Deer in Britain is at Woburn Abbey. This species originated from Indonesia, however have been exported and introduced into a number of different countries. They have large ears and long narrow tails in comparison to other deer species. Whilst a somewhat territorial animal they are not an aggressive species and will primarily use antler decoration to ward off predators and competing males.

Habitat

This deer species has a wide variety of habitat preferences from deciduous forests and park lands to deserts (this has been observed in introduced Australian individuals).

Diet

Rusa are a nocturnal grazing species, feeding on a number of species of grasses and plants during the night in order to avoid diurnal predators.

Predators & Threats

In Britain this species have no natural predators. In Indonesia however they are hunted and eaten by crocodiles, large snakes such as pythons and Komodo dragons.

Facts

• Rusa Deer collect vegetation on their antlers in order to assort their dominance over other males.
• It is possible to identify deer species from their call, as each is species-specific.

Best Time to Look

All year round.