Taxonomy
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Chordata
- Class
- Mammal
- Order
- Artiodactyla
- Family
- Cervidae
- Genus
- Rusa
Habitat
This species inhabits tropical rainforests and secondary forests on the Visayan islands in the Philippines. It prefers dense undergrowth, hilly terrain, and areas near water sources for cover and foraging.
Diet
The Visayan spotted deer primarily feeds on leaves, fruits, grasses, and young shoots. It is a browser that forages mainly at dawn and dusk to avoid predators, spending time in small groups while grazing.
Behavior
Visayan spotted deer live in small herds of up to 10 individuals, typically led by a dominant male. They are diurnal, active during the day for foraging and resting, and males exhibit territorial behavior by marking areas with scent glands. These deer are generally shy and alert, fleeing quickly when threatened.
Conservation Status
The IUCN status is Critically Endangered due to habitat loss from deforestation and hunting. Population trends show a continued decline with major threats including fragmentation of forests and illegal poaching.