Preliminary Study On Morphological Characteristics Of Cervus timorensis In Malaysia

Ernie Muneerah Mohd. Adhan,,Salleh Sheikh Ibrahim, Mastura Yaakob, 2,Nurul Aizzati & Mohd-Hafiz Abdul Rahman

Ernie Muneerah Mohd. Adhan,,Salleh Sheikh Ibrahim, Mastura Yaakob, 2,Nurul Aizzati & Mohd-Hafiz Abdul Rahman

Cervus timorensis or locally known as Timor Deer and Java deer is believed to be native to Java and Bali in Indonesia. It has been introduced into other countries for decades, including Malaysia in the year 1990. Cervus timorensis was listed in IUCN Red List as Vulnerable because its total native population in Indonesia is estimated to be fewer than 10,000 mature individuals. Although listed as vulnerable, a study showed that the population in Malaysia does not suffer from ill effects of inbreeding. Most farmers rear Cervus timorensis for their exotic meat which has a high economic value . As there is a dearth of information on the performance of Cervus timorensis in Malaysia, this preliminary paper reports on the basic morphological characteristics of this deer breed.A total number of 30 individuals (4 males and 26 females) of Cervus timorensis aged a year and above from Pusat Ternakan Haiwan, Lenggong were used in this study. The animals were allowed to free graze inside the farm. Body weight for each animal was measured using a weighing machine. Body measurements for body weight, body length, withers height, rump height, heart girth and body circumference were recorded using tailor?s tape. The data generated was analysed using Statistical Package for Social Science (Ver. 17.0).