The Philippine spotted deer (Cervus alfredi)
The Philippine spotted deer is found in the majority of islands of the Philippines archipelago. These rare animals have dark brown coat with yellowish-white spots. The height of the adult deer is about 70 centimeters. The Philippine spotted deer are common in the primary forests and marshy thickets, and come up to elevations of 2,500 meters over sea level. Recently, the Philippine spotted deer distributed to the secondary forests growing on the former agricultural plots. The breeding season (rut) of the Philippine spotted deer takes place from late September to early November and usually does not involve violent sparring of the males. In the dawn, mature males vocalize uttering whistling sounds which transform into the hoarse roars. The stags roar at traditional rutting areas of about 4 squire meters in size, and scrape the ground with their hooves. The deer males invest much effort into competing with other males, and lose 20 to 25% of their body weight during mating season. Harems of the Philippine spotted deer males consist of 3 or 4 females. Gestation in females lasts about 7.5 months and usually results in the birth of a single fawn. Young deer begin foraging at the age of 10 to 20 days but they are not weaned until the age of 4 to 5 months.
