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| Profile |
| Scientific
name: |
Cervus unicolor swinhoei |
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| Features:
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The
Formosan sambar is the largest native herbivore in Taiwan,
with a head and trunk approximately 178cm in length, a tail
about 15cm long, and a shoulder height of up to 1.2m for males
and 80 cm for females. Both males and females have facial
glands under their eyes which, on males, are opened when angry
or excited. Males also have beautiful antlers that do not
begin to branch until they are two years old. Each antler
has three points and two branches and is re-grown every year
after the dried skin has hardened and been shed. The Formosan
sambar lacks upper front teeth, but does have small upper
canine teeth. |
| Behavior: |
The
Formosan sambar is herbivorous and feeds primarily on leaves
and tender grass. In the winter, they have a dark brown coat
with tawny head and ears, whereas in the summer, their winter
coat changes to a light tawny color. Although they are social
animals, some males move about singly. Formosan sambars prefer
forests, though they also roam in the high mountains and on
the grasslands in the vicinity of streams or other sources
of water. They are most active in the early morning or at
dusk. Skillful swimmers, they often gather near bodies of
water to feed or for other activities. They are not fast runners
and will simply run into dense forests to hide whenever they
sense any danger. |
| Habitat: |
Formosan
sambars are an endemic subspecies to Taiwan that are usually
found in virgin forests at elevations of 300-1500m. |
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