Philippine Spotted Deer (Rusa alfredi)

Order: Artiodactyla
Family: Cervidae

IUCN Red List: EN (Endangered)

Habitat

Philippines

Informations

Diet: Herbivorous

The Philippine spotted deer is one of the rarest, least known, and most restricted deer species in the world. It prefers dense forests up to 2000 meters above sea level but also visits open grassy areas.

Its coat is dark brown with spots on its back and sides, which remain throughout its life.

This species belongs to the smaller deer, with a shoulder height of 75–80 cm. Its ears and tail are small. Females are much smaller than males.

The mating season lasts from November to December, and after a gestation period of about 240 days, the young are born in May and June.

They are social animals, usually living in small groups of fewer than eight individuals. Their diet consists of a variety of plants, including shoots, leaves, and buds.

The species is threatened by habitat loss and hunting. Despite being fully protected under Philippine law, it is still hunted in its range for its meat and trophies.