DEERS – Cervidae
Sika Deer
Cervus nippon pseudaxis

• Distribution

In Vietnam they are found in the northern and central provinces such as Ha Tay and Ha Tinh. In the world they are found in China, Taiwan and all across Southeast Asia.

• Habitat

They live in the light forest and bush forest where they can hide during the hottest time of the day.

• Behaviour

The Sika Deer is active during twilight and dawn. They live in small groups of 7 to 8 individuals. The group is led by an adult male. Only the male has horns, the female are totally hornless.
Grass and leaves forms the principal component of the diet, and is supplemented by seasonal vegetation like fruit and tubers. In the Hanoi Zoo they are fed grass, leaves, fruit and rice. A Sika Deer requires about 10 kg to 12 kg of vegetation a day.
The male Sika Deer reaches its sexual maternity at an age of 15 to 17 months. The gestation period is 215 to 235 days and they will give birth to a single young. The average lifetime of the Sika Deer is 15 to 20 years.
The Sika Deer in Hanoi Zoo breeds very well.

Hanoi Zoo