Exotic Wildlife: Manchurian Sika (Cervus nippon mantchuricus) - large relative of the red deer
Manchurian Sika (Cervus nippon mantchuricus)
The second largest of the dozen or so sika sub-species, this large relative of the red deer is native to southeast Manchuria, southeast Siberia and Korea. The summer coloration sports white spots on a rich chestnut-red coat; in the winter the coat turns deep brown with the spots barely discernable. A black dorsal stripe runs from the neck to the tip of the tail and off-white hairs can be found on the throat and ears. The antlers of the bulls are typically 4x4, with non-typical variations common. Main beams are commonly in the 26-30” range. The diverse tastes of the sika have allowed it to compete favorably in most habitats from its native range to all areas in which it has been introduced. They can switch from grass to browse to forbs depending on the supply and the season.
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