Taxonomy
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Chordata
- Class
- Mammal
- Order
- Artiodactyla
- Family
- Cervidae
- Genus
- Rusa
- Species
- Rusa unicolor
Habitat
Cambodian sambar primarily inhabit dense evergreen and deciduous forests, often near rivers or swamps in Cambodia and surrounding regions of Southeast Asia. They prefer hilly or mountainous terrain with thick undergrowth for cover, and are adaptable to both lowland and upland areas up to 1,000 meters elevation.
Diet
They feed on a variety of grasses, leaves, fruits, and aquatic plants, with a preference for nutrient-rich vegetation. Feeding occurs mainly at dawn and dusk in small groups, and they are known to browse in forest clearings or along water edges to access fresh growth.
Behavior
Cambodian sambar are typically solitary or found in small family groups, with males being territorial and marking areas with scent glands. They are crepuscular or nocturnal, active during dawn and dusk to avoid heat and predators, and communicate with loud alarm calls that sound like a dog's bark. Males engage in rutting displays during mating season, including antler rubbing on trees.
Conservation Status
The Cambodian sambar is classified as Vulnerable by the IUCN due to population decline from habitat loss and poaching. Major threats include deforestation for agriculture and illegal hunting for meat and antlers.