Tufted Deer

About the Tufted Deer

The tufted deer (Elaphodus cephalophus) is a small species of deer characterized by a prominent tuft of black hair on its forehead and fang-like canines for the males. It is a close relative of the muntjac, living somewhat further north over a wide area of central China and northeastern Myanmar. Suffering from overhunting and habitat loss, this deer is considered near-threatened. It is the only member of the genus Elaphodus.

Four subspecies of the tufted deer are recognized, with one having doubtful taxonomic status: E. c. cephalophus – the largest subspecies, brownish coat, found in southwestern China and northeastern Myanmar. E. c. michianus – has a relatively narrow snout, found in southeastern China.

E. c. ichangensis – has a relatively broad snout, with a grey-brown coat, found in Central China. E. c. forciensus – doubtful subspecies, distribution unclear. The tufted deer is similar to a muntjac in appearance, but the longer necks and legs give it a slightly leaner appearance. The coat is coarse with short and stiff hairs, being almost black in the winter and chocolate brown in the summer. The lips, tip of the ears, and the underside of the tails... Wikipedia →