| Feature | Moluccan | Javan | |
| Species | Cervus timorensis moluccensis | Cervus timorensis russa | |
| Female | Hind | Hind | |
| Male | Stag | Stag | |
| Young | Calf | Calf | |
| Gestation | 240 days | 240 days | |
| Calve | No fixed season | No fixed season | |
| Mature-M | 63-90Kg | 160Kg |
NOTES:
- Rusa deer are native to the Islands of Indonesia, species vary between Islands.
There are 6 subspecies of cervus timorensis, those from Timor, Molucca, Java,
Celebes, Lombok and Muna.
- All the above figures are a rough guide. There are too many
subspecies and "crosses" to be specific.
- Weight of all mature animals will vary throughout the year.
- Coloration:
Adults in summer - reddish brown darkening on the hind quarters, lighter on the chest.
Adults in winter - upper parts become greyer and the stags develop a mane.
At a distance this deer could be mistaken for a Sika deer, but the fact that it has no white on the caudal disc should at once identify it. - A typical stag carries 6 tines with the bez tine absent. Antlers are shed according to locality.
The largest antlers are grown by the Javan Rusa, particularly in West Java where a number of
deer have been shot with antler length in excess of 91cm (36"). (See picture below of Giant
Rusa shot in New Caledonia).
- There is no fixed breeding season for Rusa deer, hinds can have 3 single calves in 27 months.
- New born calves are rich red without any spots.
- The calving time should be managed to coincide with pasture availability.
- Stags give a kind of roar during the rutting season. The hind gives a piercing cry when alarmed.
- In Java the deer show a marked preference for parkland and grass plains, seldom
occurring in forest and live anywhere between sea-level up to 1,600 metres (5,250 feet).
- In northern Moluccas deer are known to inhabit forests and often prefer coconut plantations
that have been neglected for a considerable period and where shrubs and herbs offer plenty of food.
- Although Rusa are indigenous to Indonesia, feral herds exist in Australia, Borneo, Comoro Islands, Hermit Islands, Madagascar, Mauritius, New Britain, New Caledonia, New Guinea, Niningo Islands and New Zealand.
Information courtesy of The Whitehead Encyclopedia of Deer
New Caledonian Giant Rusa
(Picture courtesy of "Hunt New Zealand Safaris")
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