The tufted deer (Elaphodus cephalophus)
The tufted deer is somewhat larger than the muntjac; its body length is 110 to 160 cm, height varies from 50 to 70 cm, and weight, from 40 to 50 kilograms. Short antlers of the tufted deer are almost completely hidden in the tuft of black hair on its forehead. The fawns of the tufted deer have two parallel rows of spots on the back, on either side of the spine. Tufted deer range in southern and central China, northern Myanmar, and Laos. There are three subspecies of Elaphus cephalophus that differ in coloration, size and tail length. Tufted deer live in scrub and forests at the altitudes between 900 and 2,600 meters above sea level. They feed mostly on herbs and grasses but may sometimes eat carrion. The breeding season occurs between April and May. The tufted deer males have tusks measuring up to 3 cm that are used in the fights with other males during mating season. Gestation lasts about six months and results in the birth of one fawn (there are sometimes two but it is uncommon).
